Asia Books

I read this book some time ago and it was really a wonderful experience! I didn't have heard anything about the samurai history before and of course I did't know anything about the "Golden Age" of samurai battles, which is the 16th century. Mr Turnbull has done a fine job here, analysing nine famous Japanese battles: Kurikara (1183), Kamakura (1333), Okehazama (1560), Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima (1561), Anegawa (1570), Mikata-ga-Hara (1572), Nagashino (1575), Shizugatake (1583) and Sekigahara (1600). In each one the narrative flows in an excellent way and the story is read like a novel, full of heroes, epic clashes, self-denial, traitors and strange war ethics. There are also many simple but fine maps which support the text and enough information of how those battlefields are still preserved today. The Japanese are really fond of their history and this is shown in the condition of their monuments! Don't miss this book!

Stephen Turnbull's BATTLES OF THE SAMURAI is an enthralling look at the history of Japan's "Sengoku jidai", or "warring states period." Turnbull provides fascinating accounts of a number of important battles of the era, relating dramatic anecdotes of heroism, courage, and valor, as well as of betrayal and tragedy, while also describing the more technical aspects of the battles, such as the terrain, weather conditions, tactics, strategies, and weaponry. Turnbull's book is richly illustrated with maps and artwork, helping the reader to understand the geographical layout of the areas in which battles occurred and the paths taken by the troops of the various warring factions. In addition, Turnbull provides explanation of the political events and clan struggles taking place between the battles, which is very helpful in tying everything together. Turnbull's volume is also written in such a manner as to be a viable guide for travelers interested in visiting and exploring the sites of the various battles described.

What a shame this is out of print! Our family used this book extensively as a guide to our sightseeing of Japan this past summer as it offers not only historical background, portraits of great samurai personalities, and dramatic stories of the battles, but also information on visiting the battlefield sites today. Unable to obtain maps or directions to Sekigahara and Nagashino battlefields from the Japanese Tourist Organization (they told us "nobody goes there - there is nothing to see!") we relied on directions and photos in this book to discover for ourselves that samurai battlefields (Kamakura, Sekigahara) can be toured with relative ease and offer much for the modern tourist. Of course, it was the book's excellent coverage of the battles that first made us want to walk in the footsteps of Tokugawa, Mitsunari, Yoshisada, etc. A valuable resource!

Title: Becka and the Big Bubble; Becka goes to India
Format: Children's hardback print
Authors: Gretchen Schomer Wendel and Adam Anthony Schomer
Illustrator: Damon Renthrope
ISBN: 978-1-933754-13-0
Published By: Waterside Press
Review By: Diana Rohini LaVigne, Indian Life & Style Magazine

Culturally rich, extraordinarily bubbly and down right fun, Becka goes to India from the Becka and the Big Bubble series is the ultimate childhood story experience. Jumping from one part of India to another, Becka happily immerses herself in Indian's long standing culture. Exploring the Himalayan mountain range to running over the green rolling fields, this books gives young readers a look at one of the most exotic places still on the face of the planet. Introducing readers to key Indian cities, wild animals of India and one of the most famous landmarks in the world, Gretchen Schomer Wendel and Adam Anthony Schomer drive the story towards having fun and the innocence of discovery. Holiday celebrations, legendary leaders and the beauty of traditional ancient Indian instruments are carefully introduced in a simple to understand format but which delights the readers too.

Illustrations are bold, big and beautifully done. Illustrator Damon Renthrope doesn't hold back anything in bringing to the foreground the wonder in colors that India delivers. Courageous colors skip throughout the pages of the book

With proceeds from the book going towards finding a cure for cancer, these authors and publisher are setting the tone for combining good learning with good cause. Becka goes to India from the Becka and the Big Bubble series is one of a powerful series of rhyming picture books that teach and inspire youthful readers. It's the one book that even parents will enjoy rereading every night to their children.

We have the whole series of the Becka and the Big Bubble books and my daughter loves them. Books that rhyme are a big hit with her right now and I love all of the fun words like "flippity-free" and "pippity-pop." And, I also like that I am introducing her to new places and new cultures, even at her young age. A definite hit at our house!

This is our favorite book.....we love the series so much that we bought them all. The bubble is a hit with the kids!!!!

This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of traditional (upper-middle class) Bengali women and their families. Roy presents a thorough analysis of the dynamics of extended family life in West Bengal. She begins with an exploration of the special bonds that develop between father and daughter, then moves on to how schooling and classic literature play a role in developing a young woman's idyllic view of married life. Later she contrasts that ideal with the reality of being a stranger competing with one's mother-in-law for the attentions of one's husband, and how this is tempered with the birth of children, especially sons. Finally, she discusses middle age and the later years, when the children have grown and women seek companionship from their sons or religious personages. In some respects, the dynamics that Roy describes here are probably generally found in any culture with a strong tradition of patrilineal extended families. Other aspects of life, particularly religious life, are more unique to Hindu and Bengali culture. The book was originally written some 30 years ago, and certainly there have been many changes in Bengali culture during this time. But even as a window into Bengali family life of the recent past, it a very interesting and well written study.

This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of traditional (upper-middle class) Bengali women and their families. Roy presents a thorough analysis of the dynamics of extended family life in West Bengal. She begins with an exploration of the special bonds that develop between father and daughter, then moves on to how schooling and classic literature play a role in developing a young woman's idyllic view of married life. Later she contrasts that ideal with the reality of being a stranger competing with one's mother-in-law for the attentions of one's husband, and how this is tempered with the birth of children, especially sons. Finally, she discusses middle age and the later years, when the children have grown and women seek companionship from their sons or religious personages. In some respects, the dynamics that Roy describes here are probably generally found in any culture with a strong tradition of patrilineal extended families. Other aspects of life, particularly religious life, are more unique to Hindu and Bengali culture. The book was originally written some 30 years ago, and certainly there have been many changes in Bengali culture during this time. But even as a window into Bengali family life of the recent past, it a very interesting and well written study.

A Wonderful book that details a Bengali (India) woman's life from birth to death. An enjoyable and informative read. By interviewing many Bengali women, the author gave amazing detail into what it is like to be a woman in Calcutta, by illuminating the subject's feelings, experiences, rituals and secrets. Manisha Roy also offers an update in the back of the book that chronicals the many changes that have happened since she first published the book some twenty years ago. The book gives a timeless glimpse into the private world of Bengali women. Subject range: Sociology/Women's Studies/Anthropology/Indian Cultural Studies, some photos. Highly reccomended!

From what I've read of reviews and from what I know of the content of this beautifully written biography of a father by his son.

"Beyond the Stone Arches" is the gripping story of a pioneer missionary doctor who served for four decades in a mission station deep in the interior of Fujian province. Each chapter could stand alone, for the scene changes from Imperial China to the shaky, new Republic in 1911, to civil wars, banditry, floods, plague and cholera epidemics - but through it all, Edward Bliss, Jr. tells the story of his father's daily work, his love for China and its people, his ventures such as raising milk cows so children could have milk, and his courage in the face of danger from Communist guerrillas, bandit gangs and rampant warlords. The book reads like an autobiography, for the author draws heavily on his own extensive interviews with his father and his father's letters, plus the author's own memories of childhood in pre-modern China. This is not a stereotype "missionary book!"

This is a wonderfully written account of a missionary's life in early 20th century China. Both educational and entertaining. Well worth the reader's time. Ed Bliss does the subject exquisite justice.

The pictures are so real, and the text is very descriptive. The best book about animal black market I've seen!

This is a superb book with easily readable text, tragic photos, and compelling stories. It has sections that alternatively focus on different geographic locations, animals, and types of problems. It also discusses some of the history of the wildlife trade.

If there is a downside, it is that the book is depressing because of the scale of destruction going on. In fact, the wildlife trade is one of the largest underground markets, second only to the drug trade. But the book is a great attempt to shed more light on this dark subject.

Black Market is resoundingly successful in portraying the scale of the trade in endangered species in Asia - its roots, its cancerous growth and its callousness. Equally importantly, it shows how and why the trade can exist.

What makes the book exceptional is that it is written not by an angry protester, but by a skilled journalist intent on telling the story as it is, and as accurately as possible. The book's author is not only a widely recognized photographer and journalist, but also a hard nosed economist with decades of experience in Asia. That he has managed to penetrate this black market, and emerge not only with gripping accounts of the trade but with photographs of it and the crucial local understanding to interpret its lifelines, makes for an educating read.

Through a predominant use of black and white photography, the author ties the present to the past, and living traditions to ancient culture. Monochrome images portray a black trade. Colour, what we stand to lose.

I have bought this book twice and through cross country moves I have unfortunately lost both copies. It is a true tradegy to me that it is out of print. It is a sterling example of bravery, discrimination, and heart in a "tell it like it is" format. It should be required reading.

This is simply the best book written by an American about war. Mr. Terry interviewed grunts who more often than not had been to Hell and the book captures the flailing, coughing evil of the place. Terry avoids the B.S. that goes with military ambition. His men were Black soldiers with no sense of "pro patria mori" and varying loyalty to the greater patriotic cause. This book is a dead-down opposite to William Manchester's "American Caesar," a first-rate biography of Douglas MacArthur, who is deservedly revered as a courageous soldier and brilliant general. Terry's "Oral History" reaches down into our humanity and finds a core of emotion that must have been with us when we lived in caves, fearing wild beasts. ****** The challenge is finishing "Bloods." Hell is impossible to visit; "Bloods" is as close as you're going to get. ****** This reviewer carries a VA "purple card."

Racism in the American military helped to prevent American political objectives in Vietnam from becoming a reality. The enemy exploited white racism to the point it divided our forces and reduced our military ability to exert its full capabilities... too many Americans left the Constitution at home. "Bloods" tells it like it is. A superb collection. I applaud it.

I live in the Buddhist hell of Too Many Zen Books. This nicely accompanies all my other ones, and clearly stands out in its own right.

This scholarly work on the teachings of Bodhidharma sets a new standard. Not only does Broughton provide clear translations, but the volume of informative commentary has made this text my number one Bodhidharma resource. Broughton provides quality with quantity here, explaining unusual phrases from the ancient texts at page bottoms, and endnoting items requiring more thorough treatment. (The endnotes are generally both useful and quite insightful. My only "wish" is that the endnotes could be footnotes instead. This way, the reader could have simultaneous access to both the root text and Broughton's research. As it is, you have to flip back and forth a bit. This is a really minor quibble though, as footnoting everything would have the drawback of making the root text harder to read on its own - mostly by making the pages too "busy.")

This is not a book on "pop Zen"; it is a resource for those seeking to contextualize Tamo's teachings both historically and philosophically. Broughton makes a very good case that the "Two Entrances" commonly attributed to Tamo is actually the work of T'an-lin, an early Sanskritist. He points out that the character of the "Method for Quieting Mind," what he calls "Record I," is more consistent with what we know of Tamo's teaching. Broughton also discusses other members of Bodhidharma's circle, the supporting roles played by other sutras in these texts, and much more.

I believe that I can state objectively that this book represents a superb piece of research, and that Broughton has made Tamo's early teachings very accessible. It is my sincere hope that the author will continue working in this field. For anyone interested in the early development of Zen, this text is a fascinating read.

Thorough and enlightening. Brilliant insights! Where has Prof. Broughton been all of these years?

The Bora Boys And The Last Big Door is fantastic children's picturebook by Michael J. Feeney about two young boys who meet the ghost of an old sailor in the attic. When the ghost learns that one of the boys was adopted from Cambodia, he takes them both on a special naptime trip to see the Cambodia of old, during Khmer New Year, a time of great celebration, oxcart races, and festive foods. The come home from the dream remembering their adventure, and knowing a little more about a land so far away. The colorful illustrations by John Devaney add a dreamlike quality to this warm and delightful story about connecting to one's roots and experiencing new things.

This book has changed the life of my family - what a delight to have a children's book that so opens our minds - We can't wait for the next one from Mr. Feeney!! Please, please, continue working with Mr. Devaney as your illustrator!! Outstanding artwork - where have you both been!! My five year old loves it - Although the suggested ages are 9-12...this children's book is enjoyed, I would say, by ages 5-12.

This book is awesome. The first book relating to adoption of a boy from Cambodia. Hurray! Plus, it is not mushy-really an adventure book.

Have fun with the voices and read it to your little one. I thought my 3 yo would get bored with it being a lot of words and more for older kids. He LOVED it and made it through the whole thing. (Secretly, I loved it too.)

I read the book looking for an introduction to Japanese feminism more interesting than your average textbook and I was not disappointed. The interviews explore the women's personal interests, projects, and views about feminism. Each interview is supplemented by the a brief biography of the interviewee and an exerpt from something she has written.

Dense and interesting, definitely worth it.

This book breaks the stereotype of the submissive Japanese woman by presenting interviews and written works by Japanese women who are considered to be leading feminists in their fields, surprisingly few of those academic. It shows that Japanese feminists have the same concerns as American feminists, but they continue to focus on the family and mother roles as the saving grace of society. It's a refreshing viewpoint away from radical feminism, and it made me rethink my definitions of feminism. There are extensive references to Japanese culture and language, which may be hard to follow for those not familiar with Japan, but a good chronology and glossary are provided. It covers such issues as abortion, pornography, fertility treatments, and environmentalism. It's a very interesting book without the heavy obscure jargon of most academic publications. I highly recommend it if your interest lies in Japan, feminism, or both!

this book was really useful for me while i was working on my senior thesis. but i think that it would be a good read for anyone who is interested in feminism and women's issues. japanese feminisms have many differences from american feminisms, but at the same time, there are quite a few parallel. one of the best parts of this book was the section on the translated version of our bodies ourselves.

I was excited to find a copy of Hibbard's The Bund in the Shanghai Museum gift shop. It's about time we had a good history of these beautiful, architectural masterpieces!

When people arrive in Shanghai, one of the first places on their sight-seeing list is usually the "Bund." As people wander down this fabled road, enjoying the architecture and scenery, few know the names of these lovely facades or the often interesting history behind them. And even many of us who live here have had to stop and ponder, what exactly is a "bund"?

"Bund" is not a German word, as is often thought, but is of Hindustani origin. The word means an artificial causeway or embankment. Shanghai's bund began its development in the 1850s. By the 1860s, Shanghai actually had four bunds. These four roads, or "Wai Tan" ("outer shore" in Chinese), demarcated the sides of the British settlement--which served as the center of foreign life in the city. Now days the city is down to only one "Bund" road, which was officially named Zhongshan Road Number One (east) in 1945.

This legendary causeway has been one of the city's most modern areas for much of its recent history, showcasing the latest architectural designs and taking tourists who were expecting charming pagodas by surprise. The Bund's builders have traditionally competed to dazzle onlookers by erecting the most progressive and impressive designs.

In more recent times, the area has faced major challenges as developers have sought to restore the area to its former glory--or dare I suggest surpass! Concerns have surfaced and debates have been fueled over historical conservation and restoration of the Bund. Many people ponder the riverside's future, as would-be developers attempt to surmount the difficulties of finding money and support as they seek to restore and preserve this prestigious set of addresses.

Get the inside scoop on all 29 Bund establishments in local tour director Peter Hibbard's new book The Bund. Within its pages, Hibbard provides a well-researched history and timeline of the Bund's development and each of its buildings. The book includes many featured essays, old documents, and letters written about the Wai Tan. The numerous photos and fun old maps complete Hibbard's well done attempt to bring the Bund's story to life. Truly hard core Bund fans can keep current by visiting Hibbard's Bund website, gingergriffin.com

At the book's end, readers can supplement their Bund knowledge with a helpful directory of the buildings and their occupants, including phone numbers. The finale also features a chart of the buildings' occupants, then and now, a walking tour complete with maps, and an index.

The book is a must if you find yourself playing tour guide to out-of-town visitors who you want to impress with insider knowledge, or if you are simply interested in this fascinating area of the city. It should also please architecture buffs.

A must have guide if going to Shanghai. Read it before going, take it with you, then read it again. Made the City come alive with its history.

The Bund - Shanghai's famous half-mile avenue along the Huangpu River - contains a line of fabulous monumental structures from Shanghai's dazzling colonial life of the 1920s and '30s. Despite the Western styles of architecture, the Bund is very much a part of China's history, with all that is good and bad.

Peter Hibbard's book tells the richly populated story of the Bund's development from the late 1800s, when Shanghai was the West's gateway into China near the mouth of the Yangtze River. Capital investment flooded into the area (much as it is doing today). The merchant banking and trading houses went up in grand style - neo-Gothic, classic European, Art Deco - using enormous quantities of often expensive materials from China, Europe and America. And a wildly extravagant social life blossomed, with balls, festivals and big-name entertainers from the West. Though the Chinese, from professionals to day laborers, found thousands of jobs there, under the earlier international treaties they had no legal authority.

Hibbard notes the ill-use and neglect of many of the buildings after the Japanese occupation, the post-war Communist takeover and the flight of the Westerners. While most of the structures have been renovated - some beautifully - and are partially occupied by banks, stylish restaurants and fashion houses, their future is uncertain, he says. The Bund, with its grand buildings and its setting along the river, waits for Shanghai to make it part of its future as well as its tumultuous past.

Hibbard is perhaps the leading authority on the Bund. He has stocked his book with the people, the plans and the external events that shaped its development. The text is wonderfully written and the pages are illustrated with hundreds of historical photos, drawings and poster art and with photographs of the present day. It's a guidebook and history as well as a book of stories to treasure.