The "Book of the Later Han" is a historical text that covers the history of the Eastern Han Dynasty in China, spanning from 25 to 220 AD. Compiled by the historian Fan Ye during the 5th century, it is part of the larger "Twenty-Four Histories" series. The work provides detailed accounts of political events, notable figures, and social conditions of the time. This text is significant for its comprehensive records of the Han Dynasty, including the reigns of various emperors and the rise of influential families. It also includes biographical sketches of important individuals, contributing to our understanding of Chinese history during this period.