Brings to life the story of Joseph Needham, the brilliant scientist who unlocked the most closely held secrets of China, long the world¿s most technologically advanced country. In 1937, Needham became fascinated with China, and he traveled there, where he embarked on a series of expeditions to the frontiers of China. He searched for evidence to bolster his conviction that the Chinese were responsible for mankind¿s most familiar innovations -- incl. printing, the compass, explosives, suspension bridges, even toilet paper. Needham wrote his majestic encyclopedia, ¿Science and Civilisation in China.¿ ¿An unforgettable tale of what makes men, nations, and, indeed, mankind itself great -- related by one of the world¿s inimitable storytellers.¿ Illustrations.