Chinese characters are fascinating: even those who cannot read them feel their magical aura and are captivated by their abstract beauty. This new book explores the diverse layers of meaning in writing and calligraphy in China, spanning from the earliest written records to contemporary art. It provides insight into the multifaceted nature of Chinese culture, whose essence has been writing and the art of writing since its earliest beginnings and continues to be so today. The texts and numerous illustrations tell stories of magical messages to the heavens and demonstrations of power on earth, of religious devotion and political legitimacy, of individual expression and subtle critique.