In this book, the author, Wu Gou, synthesized each theory, constructed a unique interpretive framework, and tried to provide a reasonable explanation for the beginning of China's modernization. He led us back to the historical scene, carefully inspected 25 manifestations of Song Dynasty civilization with great modernization characteristics, and presented the clues of various modernizations that appeared at that time in five fields including municipal administration, humanities, economy, politics, and justice. By examining the rise and operation of these civilizational manifestations, and their tragic demise after the fall of the Song Dynasty, the author highlighted how China in the Song Dynasty quietly escaped the shackles of the Middle Ages and began to modernize, showing the Song Dynasty the most vivid and dynamic side. At the same time, he also tried to explain that China's history was not a simple linear development, but the accumulation and evolution of civilization, as well as the rupture and continuity of tradition.

Wu Gou, a researcher of Song history, a well-known historical writer. Over the years, he has devoted himself to the study of Song Dynasty civilization, advocating "telling the Chinese story well" and "rediscovering the Song Dynasty". His major works include “Elegant Song dynasty, the visible civilization”, “Understanding Song dynasty- a history book for his daughter”,“Song dynasty—the daybreak time at the moment.”"Song Renzong: The Era of Co-governance" and many other works. Among them, the book “Elegant Song dynasty,”, which introduced the social life of the Song Dynasty with many pictures and texts, received rave reviews after its publication, and won many awards including CCTV's "2018 China Good Book".