Tales of the Emperor is based on the life of Qin Shi Huang (circa 260-210 BCE), the "First Emperor" - he who unified China, gave it his name, built the Great Wall, entombed an army of terra cotta soldiers, authored legalism, erased history, insinuated governance, and established paranoia as a national characteristic. His dynasty did not outlive him but his influence permeates the present and, there is ample indication, will dominate the future. The...