China Books

This book is at the cutting-edge of today's modern Chinese interior design. The selection of the featured projects covers a wide range of style. Generally speaking, the majority of these projects are great works (except for one HK house). I have personally been to several of the places featured in this book. The text and the pictures captured the beauty of these places and provided rich information about the cultural values behind decoration and designing. Simply put, this is a high quality book. I can feel that the authors are really serious about the content and have done a lot of research. If you like Chinese style and modern decoration, this is definitely an excellent source.

written by obviously one of the region's foremost authorities on Chinese design and interiors having been in Hongkong with Elle Decor and other excellent publications for many years, Sharon Leece knows her way around the traditional feng shui and new leanings of the China elite as well as the western expat with a home and heart in Asia. Creative and informative text and fabulous photos take the reader on a trip into another world of China Decor uptil now unseen but sure to be come a trend worldwide. Check out her other China interior books for even more wonderful shots of lush and lavish spaces.

While watching the hit war movie, "Saving Private Ryan," I had a vivid flash memory of a book I had read a few months ago. It was "China Spy" by Maury and Janet Allen. The linkage should not have surprised me. The hero of the Allen book isn't fiction ... he was a young Irish-American paratrooper who fought bravely and ... like Steven Spielberg's fictional Private Ryan, survived the blood bath of WWII in Europe. Unlike Private Ryan, the idealistic Private McDermott of Yonkers, NY joined the CIA after the war and went to China as a businessman-spy. Betrayed by his bride and arrested by the Chinese Communists as he was walking up the gangplank of a a U.S.-bound steamship to come home, the young man is imprisoned. The Chinese communists want him to sign a confession for propaganda purposes. He refuses. Other prisoners who "confess" to spy charges are released. But this young patriot refuses to betray his country. He is tortured for years and finally dies from the brutal treatment. Other westerners imprisoned at the same time recall how this young real life hero underwent horrible torture rather than betray his country. A cynic can argue, "why die for reasons that are out of date a few decades later?" A thoughtful American citizen can counter, "If and when history thrusts you or me in the meatgrinder of a battlefield or the horror of an enemy prison, you will find out who you really are ... even if the world forgets you.

Every perceptive person should read "China Spy." The tragic irony of the death of a now-forgotten young hero deserves to be remembered amid the box office buzz of a excellently-crafted cinematic tale. "China Spy" is the reality of one man's terrible choice and sacrifice. "Saving Private Ryan" is a war monument on film, emblematic of the sacrifice of millions of men. Today the Cold War is history and China is one of America's favorite trading partners. I thank the Allens for their "China Spy" They remembered ... and now so will their readers.

The saga of Hugh Francis Redmond is a modern Greek tradegy- a silently heroic figure trapped by the fates in a struggle over which he has no understanding or control. Magnifiently written with the best descritpion of young soldiers going into battle I've ever read. Maury Allen is never maudlin and yet the impact of his writing puts the reader at the scene with clear sharp details which tap the strongest emotions. A must for anyone interested in the human dynamics of wartime and the mysteries of modern politics.

"China Teacher - An Intimate Journal" took me back to an era that's both remote and real. Life in Beijing in1980 as described by J.R.LeMaster shows like yellowed pictures in an antique photo album, but the accurate account of daily routines, news, and names of people I actually have met assert that this life was once reality.

The journal urged me to re-live that life and at the same time observe it through multiple perspectives concurrently: an American educator trying to navigate a foreign land with no frame of reference, wide-eyed young men and women who had been frequently reminded growing up that an individual was only a screw on the Party machine, a graduate student in Baylor living on her $600 per month pay working as a research assistant for Dr. LeMaster in the late 80s, and a high-tech professional who left China 20 years ago and who calls US home. I remember thinking our American teachers over-reacted to "trivial" things and now I understand that what was the "norm" then in China was shocking, and rightfully so, to a westerner. I remember the thrill I felt when I read Byron and Keats the first time and now I lament that my literature books are unpacked in a cardboard box in the garage. I remember seeing Dr. LeMaster as a teacher and a "boss" and now I feel that I know him as a person.

One of the most touching details in the book for me is when the author and his fellow western teachers realized that first time in their life that they were "minority" and felt isolated and helpless. It takes the same blind faith for an American to go to China 25 years ago as for a Chinese young man or young woman to come to US. It's a point of no return whether you physically returned to your homeland or not. I can understand that the LeMasters kept going back to China after the initial visit because China is the place that they can remake themselves and reconnect to humanity. I recommend this book to everyone who has or will put his/her feet on the part of planet called China. This book will help you experience China as an intimate journey in life.

American professor and poet J. R. LeMaster has written a powerful treatise of his impressions of his year-long visit to China as a guest professor. His fortuitous visit occurred in the 1980-81 academic year just as China was beginning to open its doors to foreign visitors, allowing him first hand to witness young people just beginning to awaken to new possibilities. The easy-to-read journal format allows the author to include actual detailed descriptions of daily life in China as well as many poignant classroom vignettes. The reader feels his frustrations, his empathy with his students, his appreciation of the Asian culture even though bewildering at times, and his personal battle with cold and sparse living conditions. Through the teaching of American literature, he guides his students, not to memorize in the ancient tradition of Chinese schooling, but to think and integrate ideas of philosophy, psychology, theology, and world history, emphasizing the general inner connectedness of all people of the world. His students, unaccustomed to self expression, gradually begin to respond to his personal warmth, compassion, and gentility. His love of teaching and his students is quite evident as he attempts to break through the centuries of learned stoicism. The author, while presenting in prose, reveals his poetic gifts in the beauty and vividness of detail. Several characters, many reappearing throughout the journal, are so compellingly presented that the reader is left to wonder what may have become of them in the ensuing years. While the book will have appeal to a wide array of readers, I personally recommend this book to all teachers and future teachers who view their profession as a higher calling to reach the highest potential of each student, no matter what culture. Reviewed by Ann Williamson Karaffa, Ph.D.

This book encompasses all regions- not just Canton. And its genuinely authentic- just like what you would find at fine restaurants in China (i've been there). A lot of great regional recipes (good schezuan).

If i had to pick one cookbook for restaurant style chinese food, this would be it. Note,though, that: a) its authentic and assumes some knowledge (not a starter cookbook); and b) its not exactly homestyle comfort food. The dishes are spectacular, though. Beautiful coffeetable book.

This was my very first "Beatiful Cookbook". I used it all the time, until it mysteriously disappeared after a dinner I cooked for friends... I am a Chinese food junkie and felt lost without it until one day at an airport bookstore found it again and was overjoyed to pay FULL price and cram it into my bulging suitcase.
It was worth it! I had an asian friend who read the book and was amazed at how authentic the dishes are. While I haven't been adventurous enough to make some of the dishes, I still love the photos and history, and have many favorite recipies!

Cross the Pacific in a raft made from bamboo - You must be joking!

I first read about this trip in a one-page National Geographic article, which didn't do the trip nor Tim Severin and his crew justice.
A long-time fan of Mr.Severin, I know what to expect from his books; very intense, often repetitious eulogies on the strengths and weaknesses of the craft; the pros & cons of his theories and the methods used to explore the possibilities opened up by these theories.
This book is no exception, refusing to take any modern assistance (except mandatory safety equipment), insisting on traditional materials and building techniques, he constructs a raft which has never been seen outside Vietnam for a century, in order to test his theory that Asian culture could have migrated via the Pacific (either by accident or design) to the Americas.

The trip is punctuated by storms, any one of which would destroy your average 60foot yacht, but Hsu Fu calmly lets the mightiest waves run right through her, barely disturbing the crew at their supper.
A bonus is that the raft needs no helmsman, once set on a tack she steers herself, her attendant shoals of fish ensure continuous supplies of fresh food, the only problem is after 5 months at sea, she's falling apart at the seams.
Having seen the original Sindbad dhow (parked on a roundabout in Muscat, Oman), I can attest to the workmanship and attention to detail that goes into each one of Mr.Severin's boats, so it must have been heart-breaking for him to see his journey cut short by the break-up of the raft, due to no fault of his own, and so near to the final goal.

I'd love to see the videos that they took on the voyage - the narrative gives you a real feeling of being at one with the sea, but I'd like to compare the picture in my head with the real thing.
Thoroughly recommended reading; I'm just about to start on 'The Spice Islands Voyage - In Search of Wallace', which should combine two of my favourite subjects:- Exploration and Evolution ... more on that later.

In this book, Tim Severin has demonstrated the sense of scholarly adventure of Thor Hyerdahl while showing the enthusiasm for new experiences of Richard Haliburton. His adventure has purpose in trying to understand how the ancients may have been able to make trans-pacific voyages. He makes the reader feel as if the reader is experiencing the adventure with the others on the raft. This involvement is achieved through an exploration of the human struggles as well as the physical struggles that such an epic adventure requires. It struck me while reading the book that this would be a good book for managers to read to learn about teambuilding skills. This book is instructional, well researched, and entertaining to read. If you have enjoyed Tim Severin's previous books, you will certainly enjoy this book.

This novel is a great read. I served with a combined action platoon in the area of 3rd Amtracks at the time the novel was set and it is very accurate. The thing I notice most was that the book is suppose to be fiction, but reads alot like a non-fiction. Dan is very talented, and I feel that this is one of the best Vietnam novels available. Although the name have changed, I am very sure that I personally knew some of the charactors. I am anxious to start Dodge City Blues.

What makes a book enticing, all consuming, and in the end rewarding? It is the feeling of being in the same room with the characters, sitting in a chair observing the action. I felt this a number of times reading China Wind--the many and varied lessons of leadership between Sam and his constantly changing superiors; the capture of the young boy and the murder of the East German nurse / spy; the fire fight were Sam and the old Vietnamese man were the only ones to survive; the attack of the Frenchman on Lowy and Sam; the disposing of the Frenchman's body in the pond; and, the many discussions between Sam, his superiors, and his direct reports over beers in the Grand Hotel. I was struck by the powerful imagery of the bird drinking the remnants of alcohol from a glass and getting drunk while Sam was being told how to lead his team of "track rats", the black cat's swift death by the silent and deadly rocket pistol, and Sam's unexplained attraction to the King Cobra living in an ancient barrier wall. The book's title plays out subtlety in the narrative. The first time it was introduced, it was so subtle that it required re-reading of the chapter, which was well worth the effort. China Wind is all encompassing. I thought about the book day and night, at home and at work. The contradiction of a great book: I couldn't wait to finish it, and it ended too soon.

Hattaway has provided an invaluable service by producing the first ever book profiling all the Christian martyrs of China between 835 AD and 2006. More than 250,000 Christians have been killed for their faith in China, and more martyrs have perished in China since 1900 than in all other countries of the world combined. Hattaway has written in his normal thorough and inspirational way. It is not a mere account of slaughter and death. Rather, the author has skillfully interwoven background and personal touches to the accounts, which connects the reader to those who are profiled. All serious students of Christianity and/or China, or Christians needing inspiration and encouragement in their own walk with God, will benefit from this book.

This book opened my eyes to the way things are in the world. True Christians are willing to both live and die for their faith. They don't have to have padded pews and a gymnasium and a crystal chandelier in the foyer. They have a simple message and a simple faith and their lives speak volumes. I will treasure this book always. When I think things are tough, I will revisit it and refocus.

"China's Digital Dream" is a highly interesting book. The editors Zhang Junhua and Martin Woesler chose the approach of juxtaposing opposed views from contributing scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States. The book sheds light on different aspects of the rapid development of Internet in China and concomitant phenomena including 'unrequested side effects' like political maturity.
Topics discussed are e.g. information warfare, e-government, the digital divide, human rights and the footrace of restriction and circumvention of censorship.
Among the authors are Guo Liang from the Academy of Social Sciences Peking, known from his recent survey, scholars from the RAND Center, the London School of Economics, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and from different universities in China and abroad.
The texts are descriptive and at some parts really exciting - an informative, useful and with its humoristic insights amusing book.

"Peter Thomas in der Heiden"

In their book `China's Digital Dream' Junhua Zhang and Martin Woesler introduce the implementation and expansion of the Internet in China. In 13 contributions the reader is provided with a general view on it's development and impact on Chinese society, politics, economy, and culture. The contributors cover a wide range of subjects, running from the expansion of the Chinese e-commerce, the Chinese approach to e-government, new e-learning strategies in the education policy to recent developments in the field of information warfare. Some articles are enriched by substantial statistical data, visualizing their argumentation.
A focal point of the book is the extensive description of the development of Internet surveillance: Numerous examples illustrate the background and methods applied by the government in order to control Internet users, websites and service providers. The authors shed light onto some weak points of these systems and show how Internet users still manage to keep their unrestricted access to information.
Moreover, the Internet policies of other East- and Southeast Asian countries are presented. The reader learns a lot about the different strategies of Southeast Asian governments targeting the utilization, promotion or restriction of this new communications medium. This deepens the reader's understanding of the change of Chinese internet policy.

The authors - all well-known scholars from the People's Republic of China, the United States and Germany - do not only choose different perspectives and topical focal points, but some of them also hold opposing views. The reader therefore gets acquainted with different approaches and becomes familiar with the interdependencies, e.g. between economical benefits and political costs. Subjects like online-trading and media-surveillance are dealt with in numerous publications already. This book goes beyond these traditional subjects and conveys a vivid impression of the "informatization" across all parts of society.

The development of the Internet in China progresses so rapidly, that it seems almost impossible to gain a complete overview and to pay the necessary attention to all current developments. China's Digital Dream fulfils this desideratum to a great extent: On 325 pages the reader gets a vivid impression of the development of the contemporary Internet in China. Most important, the book provides a good forecast how China's digital dream could develop in the future.

Mr. Hughes presents the reader with an insightful analysis of Chinese economics and its foreign relations. A very worthwhile read!

"China's Economic Challenge : Smashing the Iron Rice Bowl" takes a modern look at China, its economy, and the effects of the outside world on China. The author, Neil Hughes, obviously is an expert. He worked at the World Bank for over 20 years and has a Masters degree from Tuft University's prestigious Fletcher School.
As a non-academic, I thought this book would go way over my head. I picked it up because I am so interested in China that I read anything I can find on the subject. "China's Economic Challenge : Smashing the Iron Rice Bowl" is by far the best book that I've read on the state of modern China. The book is smart enough for academics and banking/ economics professionals, but interesting and well written enough for a lay person to understand and enjoy.
I highly recommend this book. Actually, I don't know how any person working in the international business world can get away with not reading this great book.

It's an opportunity to read this book, it gave me the chance to review and understand the background of these students' encounters in lives, although their stories were not such a fantastic & successful one, but they became a group of rather outstanding and brilliant figures in China. Their stories should inspire the younger generations.

In this modern world, lots and lots of Chinese students who came over to foreign lands, not only U.S.A. but some other countries such as New Zealand, tended to complain about the treatment received from their host countries, but should they read through this book and they would accept that these were the facts of lives.

Being a foreinger in this foreign land myself, I would recommend the Chinese students to understand the hard fact of lives. How this group of Overseas Students from China encountered. And hopefully that would be an inspiration to their own encounter.

As it is popular to study science and technology in the west, it is not uncommon to hear that So and So is the first in China these days. While many are highly exaggerated claims. This is an authorative book on the detailed study of first 123 Chinese boys sent by the Chinese imperial court under Yung Wing to go to Hartford, Conn. learning about the language, cultural and
science. Most became well established as adults in foreign service, engineering, as well as outstanding military officers.

This is a facinating biography on these young teen boys. When they returned to China they actually faced prejedice and skeptism. As we look back they actually contributied much to the transformation of modern China. I was fortunate to have been brought up in a family with much foreign educated engineers and have a deep appreciation of
how modern education can change our society.