Recently discovered ancient texts dating to the third century BCE and earlier inform the groundbreaking interpretations presented here on the emergence and spread of literacy in Chinese society. The long-term stability of Chinese written language provides unique insights into literacy's role in early civilization. <p><b>Li Feng</b> is professor of early Chinese history and archaeology at Columbia University. <b>David Prager Branner</b> is retired as a professor of Chinese at the University of Maryland. The other contributors are <b>Anthony Barbieri-Low, William Boltz, Constance Cook, Lothar von Falkenhausen, David Pankenier, Matthias Richter, Adam Smith, Ken-ichi Takashima</b>, and <b>Robin Yates.</b><p>"Elucidate[s] the origins, early development and structure of the Chinese script, but also discuss[es] material aspects, practical uses, and social contexts . . . fascinating." --Oliver Weingarten, <i>Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies</i>