This workshop takes advantage of the wealth of recent archaeological discoveries in China to bring together students, faculty, and visitors in an informal setting to present and review research into the study of ancient cultures. Placing special emphasis on the history of the book, the workshop considers the following questions: What are some approaches to ancient literacy and manuscript culture? How were different kinds of ancient knowledge composed, circulated, transmitted, and stored? What constitute some of the fabrics of the diverse cultures both within China and beyond from their beginnings to the coming of print? The workshop provides an open and lively forum for debate on all of these questions and more.