I found this to be a very interesting read. This book is highly recommended for those who believe the roots of Japanese culture lie in the Nara period and the culture of the Tang dynasty. It's about Wu Zetian, known as a villainess, but she was the one who governed the politics of China during its greatest peak for 50 years. As Empress Wu Zetian, she ascended to the position of emperor, performed the Fengshan sacrifices, had Buddhist scriptures translated into Chinese, created the Wu Zetian characters, and laid the foundation for Buddhism. The Japanese Emperor Shomu's vow to build the Great Buddha statue and the establishment of Kokubun-ji and Kokubun-niji temples throughout the country were also modeled after what Wu Zetian did. Current historians acknowledge that there was a period called the Zhou dynasty under the Wu clan, interrupting the Tang dynasty of the Li clan. Knowing that Wu Zetian was in the midst of the flourishing Chinese culture, which had a great influence on Japan, is, I believe, very important for the Japanese people. The Wu Zetian series consists of 5 volumes, with a hardcover binding and a distinctive butterfly design. - Title: Wu Zetian (Vol. 1) - (Vol. 5) - Author: Original Work - Volumes: 5 volumes - Binding: Hardcover - Design: Butterfly motif Thank you for viewing.