The cover of the three-book version of his best-selling 11-book series, The Qin Empire. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The author was born in the empire's capital Xi'an－today the capital of Shaanxi province－in 1949－the year of New China's founding.

He quit his job as a law professor to devote all his time to researching and writing about the Qin.

Critics have lauded the depictions of the dynasty's economics, politics, military affairs, diplomacy and customs.

The books vividly depict how the Qin state prospered through reform during the Warring States Period (475 BC-221 BC) and how Qin Shihuang conquered six other states to establish the dynasty.

They also compare the states' scientific progress, philosophies and geography.

The abridged series cuts commentaries on the Qin state's rivals and plotlines unrelated to the dynasties, such as records of witchcraft practiced during the period.

He also reworded the books for readability.

"I hope more readers will become interested in the period after they read the novels and reflect upon what we could learn from our ancestors," Sun says.