Hello everyone, Hope your week is off to a good start. In the capacity of the secretary of the Society for Song, Yuan, and Conquest Dynasty Studies, I'm writing to introduce to you a new member of the Listserv, Mr. Chris Lloyd. Welcome to the community, Chris! Below is his self introduction: I was an educator and administrator in the Australian Vocational Education System for over 30 years before my retirement. I hold qualifications in Electrical Engineering (Advanced Diploma in Electrical Technology) and Education (Diploma of Teaching-Technical). In the 1990s I was International Marketing Manager for TAFE NSW and I travelled to China at the invitation of the Shaanxi Education Bureau and spent time in Xian. I retired whilst I was Assistant Director of TAFE NSW - Sydney Institute. Now, in the middle of my retirement I am an unpublished author working on an historical novel regarding the fall of Christianity in the Holy Land, the Latin States of Jerusalem and Tripoli in 1291CE. I have woven into the story two brothers, fictitious sons of Lu Xiufu, who escaped the final battle between the Southern Song and the Mongol Navy of Kublai Khan and through a series of misadventures find themselves in the west around the time of the Marmluk annexation of the Latin states. In creating my two characters, I wish to include a historically accurate version of the events of February 26, 1279CE, The Battle of Yamen. Whilst the battle is only one chapter in my novel the brothers are interwoven throughout the story. With my previous trip to China and the research I have undertaken to characterise the two brothers I admit to a fascination now of the Song Dynasty and their amazing rule in China, the inventions they encouraged and the court life they developed. In so doing I find it interesting that at the time there are many accounts of westerners travelling east and easterners travelling west. I believe a better understanding of the Song will enable me to better create two brothers from the Court who find themselves in a society that is totally alien to them. Not currently studying and living in a small regional community in Queensland, away from the capital cities my access to verifiable research is limited. Internet accounts of the fall of the Song are sketchy and contradictory. I am hoping acceptance onto the Song-Yuan Society listserv will enable me to converse with people who have detailed knowledge of the Song Empire, its rise and eventual demise. Yours sincerely, Ya Zuo