Chinese Books

The rediscovery of Greek and Roman literature kickstarted the Renaissance in Europe. In a similar way, though on a somewhat smaller scale, the conveniently Imagist makeover of Chinese poetry by Ezra Pound and Amy Lowell undoubtedly had a seismic and far-reaching effect on later 20th century American poetry. In his learned Introduction to this outstanding and indispensable Anthology, Weinberger traces the many subsequent debts owed by a galaxy of fine American poets to that seminal work of re-invention. Such impressively talented scholar-translators as Burton Watson, J. P Seaton, Jonathan Chaves and several others receive an honourable mention, though their work is well anthologised elsewhere, and Weinberger's brief seems to have been only to include full-time poets: with the possible exception of Hinton, that is. (However, Sam Hamill's, Arthur Sze's and David Young's names have inexplicably been left out: all three of them marvellous contemporary re-interpreters of the classical Chinese tradition, and all three fine poets in their own right.)

Weinberger concentrates in particular on five exemplary writers: Ezra Pound himself, William Carlos Williams, Kenneth Rexroth, Gary Snyder, and David Hinton. They are certainly all major figures, and it's useful to have them grouped together in this way (particular since the last of them diverges in such interesting ways from the Imagist 'Less is More'tradition: though he certainly 'makes it new' in accordance with that central dictum, which is even quoted in the original Chinese characters both on the cover and on the titlepage).

I thought I already knew quite a lot about American translators from classical Chinese---a whole shelf of mine already groans under their weight---but the William Carlos Williams renderings were entirely new to me, and so were some of the later Pound translations.

For this reader it's hard to contain his excitement at such a beautifully produced edition (only spoiled by a spine-label that's somehow been glued on upside down), and I recommend anyone interested in either recent American poetry or in the classical Chinese tradition to go out and buy it straight away. It will admirably complement Minford and Lau's recent historical anthology of all translations (both European and American, and both scholarly and 'creative'), which of course covers a much broader range, but which is similarly ground-breaking and enthralling to read.

This is a superb anthology several times over. First and foremost, it brings together in one book several centuries of the finest classical poetry from China, starting at the beginning with selections from "The Book of Odes" and drawing a finish line at the end of the Sung Dynasty in 1279. Pretty much all the major poets from the T'ang and Sung are represented here along with earlier masters like T'ao Ch'ien and many interesting lesser-known figures throughout. And in line with New Directions' general attitude that poems should sound like poems, the translations here all flow musically and ring harmoniously in the mind's ear.

Still, there are many other excellent anthologies of Chinese poetry as well. What really distinguishes this one is that all five of the translators are accomplished American poets in their own right. Here we find the eccentric, wildly inaccurate and yet sometimes intuitively ingenious renderings by Ezra Pound, the tersely colloquial if likewise linguistically careless versions by William Carlos Williams, the sensitive and quietly subtle though pretty much reliable verses by Kenneth Rexroth, the deeply spiritual explorations of nature with a counter-cultural edge by Gary Snyder, and finally the translations of David Hinton which alchemically combine poetic sensibility and academic acumen in a proper balance. All in one anthology.

Much more than a mere continuum of accuracy (from less to more) is to be found here, though. Looking only through the somewhat eccentric gaze of these five poet-translators also makes this book something of a history of American literature's long engagement and fascination with the Chinese poetic tradition and, more specifically, of that tradition's influence and impact on modern American poetry itself--a payoff supplemented by the editor's fine introduction discussing this phenomenon in some detail as well as rare, hard-to-find essays by the poets themselves on the subject. Taking this unusual tack also makes this book a study in the undeniably haphazard art of translation itself, for the editor frequently includes different translations of the same poem--seeing how Ezra Pound and Gary Snyder both interpreted and rendered the same original into very different English versions is pretty instructive and enlightening. In one case we are even shown how Kenneth Rexroth translated the same poems quite differently over time, once in 1956 and again in 1970. Personally I found this to be a fascinating highlight really distinctive if not utterly unique to this anthology.

So whether your primary interest is in Classical Chinese poetry or Modernist American poetry, this anthology is a modern classic in and of itself. And if you happen to be intrigued by how these two traditions interacted and entangled themselves in one of the great cultural interactions of human history, this is an indispensable book for your collection.

One of our clients recently hired a contract engineer from China and The New Lean Pocket Guide (Chinese Edition) is exactly the tool they needed to help the new engineer grasp the lean concepts. In our global economy, language can be such a huge barrier. Everyone else in the company was using the English version of the New Lean Pocket guide and to find the book with a Chinese version was a Godsend. The translation is absolutely accurate and the engineer now feels truly part of the team. When he returns to China, he's planning on using it to implement lean initiatives in there. The New Lean Pocket Guide has become the client's bible. It's outstanding; clear, direct, and comprehensive. We highly recommend it to all of our clients going lean.

I found the book very simple, easy to read, understand and remember.
You can find the tool you need in few seconds.
I made a gift to "lean projects" collegues & get a very enthusiastic feedback!
A must have!

A great book by the authors of New World Chinese Cooking. Outstanding recipes in a consise and eloquent format

New World Chinese Cooking caught my eye at the library yesterday and I was so intrigued by it that I'm ordering my own copy. This is, as Ken Hom says in the Foreword, East/West food--fusion cooking. What's fusion? A combination of classic culinary delights with new techniques, often from other countries, and readily available ingredients, in this case in North America.

After an Introduction to the Chinese pantry, tools, cooking techniques, Chinese ingredients, and Asian vegetables, authors Jones and Wong get down to business. In chapters from Appetizers to Desserts, there are recipes from the basics (stock and spice mixes) to exotic. Just to give you a flavor (pun intended) of some recipes that made me drool:

* Crab and Corn Pancakes with Sweet-and-Sour Sauce
* Grilled Mussels with Sweet Peppers in Satay Glaze
* Crispy Sesame Phyllo Rolls Stuffed with Ginger Chicken and Soya Onions
* Crisp-Fried Chili and Garlic Shrimp
* Wok-Seared Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms and Char Sui Sauce
* Beer-Battered Shrimp with Honey-Chili Glaze
* Pacific Rim Coleslaw with Spicy Apple-Basil Dressing
* Five-Spice and Spinach Scalloped Potatoes
* Stir-Fried Velvet Chicken with Rosemary Ginger and Carrots
* Ginger Panna Cotta with Mango
* Baked Wontons Stuffed with Apples and Cinnamon

You get the idea. Recipes are well laid out, directions are clear, unusual ingredients and terms are explained in sidebars, and many items are photographed deliciously in color. I have no doubt that I, a fairly average cook, can duplicate these dishes with no problems. I expect this cookbook to become one of my absolute favorites.

Arthur Waley does a superb job covering the role of the wu, or shaman, in ancient China. Similar to the traditional shaman of Siberia, Central Asia and the Arctic, the wu enters into a trance state in performing ceremonies. However, unlike his northern counterparts, the Chinese shaman enters into a fleeting love relationship with the God (or Goddess). Although references to shaman abound in China, actual descriptions of the practice and beliefs of the wu are rare. Waley takes what is known about them, comparing it occaisonally to other Asian beliefs, and makes a wonderful introduction to Chinese shamanism.

He then goes on to translate and analyze all nine of the songs in Ch'u Yuan's Nine Songs. Each of these songs is dedicated to a particular deity or spirit, such as T'ai I, Hsiang-chuan, Ta Ssu-ming, Ho-po and the Shan-kuei. In each song, he interperts the meaning, as well as giving a general description of the deity or spirit in question, and even analyzing the meaning of the name. This book is fairly short (there is little material on shaman practices in ancient China, and each of the Nine Songs is fairly short), but it is quite a good book to read nonethelesss, particularly with so little about Chinese shamanism in English. Indeed, this book may be the only English translation of the Nine Songs, as far as I am aware.

Waley closes out the book with three appendices, one on the expansion of the kingdom of Ch'u (where the book is believed to have originated), one on commentaries on the book and another on Japanese scholar Aoki Masaru's interpetation of the book. Ultimately, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in East Asian shamanism, but it can be appreciated by anyone with an interest in shamanism or ancient culture. The only comment I would make is that I am not entirely sure about the transliteration of Chinese words. The systems used may be slightly off or outdated, though I'm sure many of those interested in this book probably already have at least some understanding of Chinese linguistics so that shouldn't be too much of an issue. If not, then don't let that deter you. It is a wonderful book to read.

The first ten pages presents an overview of the history and cultural significance of classic shamanism in Northern China, and a descripotion of the typical forms of the poetry which follows. The Nine Songs are presented as the songs the shaman sings to the spirits that they encounter during their rituals, many taking the form of love songs. Arthur Waley provides commentary on each of the songs, with additional commentary and notes at the end. This is one of my favorite books.

easy to read and digest and full of stuff you might actually want to say if you're living, working or travelling in HK or the canton.

I like the pimsleur gold too, but it's a little businessy for me.

I have tried several Cantonese learning books, all to my displeasure, until I ordered this book from the publisher! Amy Leung is a wonderful writer, and makes this book simple, fun, and most importantly, educational. This book comes with an audio CD that reviews each chapter, and allows you to practice with her as she pronounces the words. The first chapter deals with Tones, and she does a wonderful job. You will actually notice yourself progressing, and you will NOT get frustrated by this publication. There are great cartoons and references to Cantonese culture as well. I recomend this book above all others especially for begginers. After you have mastered this book, you could go onto something like "Basic Cantonese: A Grammar and Workbook". I think "No Sweat Cantonese" is the best book ever published for learning Cantonese! Pick this one up!!

Oakland's Chinatown is a beautiful photo album edited by William Wong, a native son. It is a memory lane journey back to the 150 years in this East Bay town. The book started with a comprehensive introduction on the development, movement and evolution followed by six chapters of different topics.
Chapter 1 started with a drawing about mid 1800s a primitive hut Chinatown located what is now West Oakland. Three postcards in typical cowboy western wood two-storey buildings followed it. There was a picture about the San Francisco Chinese refugees relocated in camps in Oakland after 1906 Earthquake. The next series eight pictures showed the change in buildings from late 50s to modern 90s. It was interesting to compare the next set of four family pictures from a 1891 dressed in Traditional Chinese, a 1912 with a sharp contrast with male in American clothing while female in Chinese and a 1900s of a family of four all in American. Of significance is the picture on p.18 with the successful industrialist Lew Hing who started a cannery and after SF Earthquake 1906, he helped Chinese refugees in food and shelter. The rest of this chapter ranged from unnamed children to Who's Who in Chinatown.
Chapter 2 chronicled the Chinese heading for Gold Mountain with the working hard ethics ranging from gardener, vegetable sellers, an airplane manufacturer, herbists, medical doctor, laundry men, baker, business owners, architects, pharmacist and garment workers. The collection of pictures included a Japanese American grocery and a Filipino American radio shop.
Chapter 3 showed Oakland Chinatown was the American home for oversea Chinese in periods of bigotry and discrimination. It showed how they supported each other politically and religiously. Of importance is the picture on p.67 on Chinese American Citizens Alliance, a civil right organization established in 1895, San Francisco whose 30 members headed for National Convention in Chicago by train at depot. Oakland Chinatown not only promoted sales of bonds for China in 1928 but also cared for the well-being of local residents in health, politics, and culture. The two pictures on p.88 about Chinese Community Center which Joe Shoog, the founder of National Dollar Stores, supported the construction. The last 9 pictures showed Chinese in American military fighting in WW II with honors. A rare historical picture on top of p.94 showed the dignitaries with Chinese in Navy uniforms at the christening of Sun Yat-sen, a new liberty ship.
Chapter 4 started with a 22-years old Chinese American woman Emma Hoo Tom, being the first of her race and gender registered to vote in US. The picture on p.97 showed Asian Law Caucus born in Oakland in mid 70s with young lawyers providing legal services to low-incomes. A picture of March Fong Eu was in 1974 won the race for Secretary of State. The rest collection showed different candidates, politicians and activities in American democracy.
Chapter 5 began with Oakland Chinese parade on 1907 Independence Day. Worth mentioning is the picture p.109 about the Wa Sung Athletic Club formed in 1920s. The following pictures showed the different sports that they enjoyed, from sporting cars, canoe, soft ball, base ball, gold, dragon-boat race, tai chi, mah-jong, band to lion dance. This chapter ended with two pictures, one wedding in Buddhist ceremony with traditional bride and groom dresses, while the other in Cantonese opera, famous for colorful costumes, loud music and abstract expressions.
Chapter 6 displayed Oakland Chinatown is the place of couching tigers and hidden dragons where Bruce Lee, martial artist and film star, Dong Kingman, artists, and other poets, photographers, writers, musicians, directors, TV cameramen, dance artist, journalists, and painters. The book ended with the author, a national journalist.
This book is a big community family album for the last 150 years. It documents the evolution of Chinese settlement in Oakland into today's robust Chinatown. The Oakland Chinese were tough minded in finding gold by working hard among prejudice, bias and discrimination. They survived the "Chinese Must Go" hostility. With determination, they established Oakland as home to nurture so many into national prominence. Understanding the history of struggle serves as a strong motivation for many to be active in American politics. William makes this struggle a honorable memory.

This book nicely covers the history of Chinatown in Oakland, California through rare photographs from the turn of the century to more recent photos depicting individuals and life in one of our country's more important and vibrant Chinatowns. Smartly organized into chapters divided by distinct topics, the interesting, and often fascinating, photos are supplemented with written commentary and introductions by the author who is intimately familiar with Oakland. For those with any kind of background or history with Oakland Chinatown, this book is a must buy. It will revive memories of those who are part of the community and serves to memorialize an important part of Asian-American history.

A good, continually absorbing study of a contemporary though tradtional Japanese poet names Kodojin(d. 1943). The writing style holds one's interest throughout and the story of the poet's life along with his poems,paintings and drawings is always delightful and interesting. If you love Japanese haiku by such masters as Bassho and chinese poetry from the Tang you will find this study worthy of your attention. I have never read a book quite like it.

Translations of and commentary on one author's Taoist poems are presented in a warm blend of spiritual, religious and philosophical inspection which considers the last of the great poet-painters of Japan. Over 150 of his poems are treated to an appraisal which considers both form and content in a fine coverage worthy of inclusion in any strong Asian collection.

"The Opium Debate And Chinese Exclusion laws In The Nineteenth-Century American West" by Diana L. Ahmad (Associate Professor of History at the University of Missouri-Rolla) is the story of a mid-nineteenth century 'war on drugs' and immigration restriction policies carried out by governmental agencies. Professor Ahmad articulately explains how anti-Chinese propaganda and the spread of opium addiction led to exclusionary immigration laws and the attitude that the Chinese and the recreational use of opium associated with their communities were a danger to the national economy and middle-class Anglo-American domestic life. A fascinating and scholarly study that features extensive notation, an exhaustive bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "The Opium Debate" is as informed and informative as it is well organized and 'reader friendly'. This is an impressive and very highly recommended contribution to academic library 19th Century American History reference collections and reading lists.

Not being a historian, I have little background in the history of the American West. I really enjoyed this book which undertakes the study of the Chinese in the American West from a new angle and makes the story both informative and interesting. The book is well researched and talks about a seldom discussed topic. We are made aware of the reasons for excluding an element of society, whether right or wrong. Drugs are not a recent phenomenon and it is fascinating to see how they played a role in our country's early history. This book is an easy and interesting read.

"Oranges on Golden Mountain" is an excellent children's book. The text by Elizabeth Partridge is complemented by Aki Sogabe's colorful illustrations.

"Oranges" tells the story of Jo Lee, a Chinese boy who emigrates to California, where he works as a fisherman with his uncle. He misses his mother, who is still in China, but he plants orange branches that she gave him to take on his journey.

This is a realistic immigrant story with some fantastic/supernatural touches that evoke traditional Chinese beliefs. Illustrator Aki Sogabe creates many memorable scenes: a letter writer engaged in Chinese calligraphy, the Dragon King flying over a stormy ocean, Jo Lee tending his orange saplings, and more. To sum up: this is an excellent book for children of all cultures.

Jo Lee has to leave China because his family orchard can not support everyone after two dry years in a row. Mother uses the last of the money Father sent to get Jo Lee to Fourth Uncle in California. She knows he will have food there and learn to fish. Jo Lee's comfort is that he can send his Hun, his dream spirit, to keep in touch with his family in China. He leaves his family orchard for California with the bundle of orange tree twigs his mother gives to him. When he reaches Golden Mountain, Fourth Uncle helps him plant the twigs.

When the orange twigs root and bloom, Jo Lee's hope bloom too. Then, when he sleeps, his Hun travels to China to tell his mother. A heart-tugging story of the sacrifice made by a Chinese boy to help his family during hard times.

The cut paper drawings, by illustrator Aki Sogabe, beautifully compliment this story. The white caps,the swirling water, the fishing net, the misty Hun, and the clouds are superb illustrations for this simple little story.

For a book published over 40 years ago, this read is still relevant and engaging. With snippets of history, humor, science and just plain common sense, it is a good introduction to life in the high desert from a native's perspective. This book was the one that got me hooked on Central Oregon over 25 years ago, enough to live here. People tend to think of the desert as dry and drab, but it is brightly colored by its people and history. A must read for anyone traveling through or moving to the Oregon Outback.

This is an amazing book for anyone who knows, or wants to know anything about Oregon's high desert and the high desert way of life back in the mid 1900's. Many pictures add to the mental pictures your mind conjures up as you read the most amusing stories of old. After reading this book, I even bought the DVD entitled "Indian Fighter" (Kurt Douglas and his then wife both star!), because the author provided the stock for the movie and talks about it a bit in the book. The DVD is a great way to see the high country the book talks about!