Wonderful, if you have an interest in ethnic groups and China, and the troubled, ambiguous history of the foreign and foreigners in China. This book uses the word 'ambiguity' a lot, always a great sign, for me. If you're into the steppe, truly, this one's not to be missed. My copy is marked heavily and dotted with commentary like 'brilliant'. Particularly like the analysis of how the Chinese felt (ambiguously) about the type of the 'barbarian general'. The 'barbarian general' saved them again and again and they love-hate the stereotype - a stereotype they make, and the generals in question themselves often ham up. Fascinating stuff, I tell you.