Amazon.com
To compress 8,000 years of a civilization's life into a single volume is a daunting task, but University of Illinois historian Patricia Ebrey does the job with authority and considerable flair. Writing with an eye to explaining recurring themes in Chinese history, she discusses ideas of order and statecraft, resource allocation and use, imperialism and population growth. Along the way she makes interesting asides, noting, among other things, that the Mongol conquerors of China monopolized the bamboo trade because they did not want the ethnic Chinese to make weapons, and she gives stimulating overviews of such matters as the manufacture of silk, hardwood furniture, and ceramics.
Book Description
More populous than any other country on earth, China also occupies a unique place in our modern world for the continuity of its history and culture. In this sumptuously illustrated single-volume history, noted historian Patricia Ebrey traces the origins of Chinese culture from prehistoric times to the present. She follows its development from the rise of Confucianism, Buddhism, and the great imperial dynasties to the Mongol, Manchu, and Western intrusions and the modern communist state. Her scope is phenomenal--embracing Chinese arts, culture, economics, society and its treatment of women, foreign policy, emigration, and politics, including the key uprisings of 1919 and 1989 in Tiananmen Square. Both a comprehensive introduction to an extraordinary civilization, and an expert exploration of the continuities and disjunctures of Chinese history, Professor Ebrey's book has become an indispensable guide to China past and present. Patricia Ebrey is Professor of East Asian Studies and History and the author of Chinese Civilization: A Sourcebook (1993).
Customer Reviews:
An interesting perspective on Chinese history.......2007-05-27
I'm a Chinese living in China. Because of politicized history accounts in China after 1949 I have little interest in official history books in Chinese. But I like this book very much; for me it provides a totally new perspective on the evolution of our culture, peoples and economy etc. The rich pictures in the book make reading easier and more interesting.
Cambridge Illustrated History of China.......2007-03-21
Highly informative and readable; wonderfully illustrated both with photographs and maps. This was exactly what I had hoped for.
Good Reference; Not Detailed.......2006-11-12
I used this book as a reference text for a course in Ancient Chinese History. The labeled illustrations are a pretty good reference for the components of the class that require us to identify and date archaeological pieces. Ebrey does a good job giving an overview of all the various things happening in China, however, it truly only skims the surface. In addition, points of controversy are not really discussed. Among the academia, there is debate of one of the groups of Chinese people- the Xia. In this book, Ebrey identifies the Xia as a group that does exist. Depending on who your professor is, you might get a different spin on the situation and the Xia might be considered mythical. While this isn't a serious point of contention, there might be other discrepanicies like this between what Ebrey writes and what others think.
Now this may be nitpicky, but the book doesn't do very well with sitting in a backpack. If you intend to take take it around with you, you'd be better of buying a hardcover version. The binding comes loose relatively easily and it's printed on this beautiful, heavy, glossy paper.
Buy this book only if you're looking for a quick read and a good reference.
An excellent overview of Chinese history.......2006-08-21
As a single volume overview of Chinese history, you couldn't ask for much more than this book. It is clearly written, objective and very readable. The most significant events in Chinese history are all covered (albeit in only superficial depth, necessarily.) The book also tries to describe developments from the perspective of ordinary people, not just the emporers. Cultural and technological advances are covered as well as the major military conquests. Finally, each chapter is concluded with the author's analysis of the period and comparisons to other contemporaneous civilisations.
My only criticism is that the Japanese atrocities during World War II are glossed over, only the Rape of Nanjing is mentioned, and even then, only the lowest bound of the estimated death toll is given. If you read only this book, you might get the impression that the Japanese occupation was a relatively benign experience.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an introduction to Chinese history.
Bored to tears.......2004-09-13
I faithfully read this book as a text for a class. The fact that it was boring wasn't such a problem because reading the book was unpleasant. In fact, it wasn't such a bad read, for a textbook. However, I was bored enough that I retained next to nothing from each chapter.
I personally find Chinese history fascinating (I speak the language, studied in Beijing, and majored in Chinese studies) but this book was a snoozer. For what you are going to get out of this book, take my short synopsis instead and forget the rest:
Qin Dynasty 220 BC: Unified China, Machiavellian
Han Dynasty 200 BC - 200 AD: Confucian
Tang Dynasty 600-900: Cosmopolitan
Song Dynasty Around 1000 AD: Confucian revival
Yuan Dynasty Around 1200: Mongols
Ming Dynasty 1300-1600: VERY Chinese
Qing Dynasty 1600-1900: Manchus
Amazon.com
Sun Tzu's Art of War just got better. The Illustrated Art of War enlivens Thomas Cleary's complete translation, including commentaries, with full-color reproductions of paintings and statuary from China and Japan. Talk about martial art--these depictions show full battles scenes, the Chinese god of war, weaponry, processions--even an ancient map. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
With well over a million copies sold, Sun Tzu's The Art of War is a true masterpiece, a series of brilliant aphorisms that illuminate the planning and conduct of war. Now this classic work is available in an elegant illustrated edition, featuring seventy-five color and black-and-white images. From perceptive descriptions of the nine varieties of terrain, to advice on how to gage an enemy's weaknesses and strengths, to suggestions on the employment of secret agents, here is timeless advice on combat and military strategy. Sun Tzu's writings are unsurpassed in depth of understanding, shedding light not only on battlefield maneuvers, but also on the relevant economic, political, and psychological factors that can shape the outcome of warfare. Equally important, the precepts outlined by Sun Tzu over two thousand years ago can be applied with great success outside the theater of war. Indeed, it is read avidly by corporate executives worldwide and has been touted in the movie Wall Street and the television series The Sopranos as the ultimate guide to strategy. Finally, this edition offers the definitive translation of Sun Tzu's text, by former U.S. Marine Brigadier General Samuel Griffith, who was also an authority of Mao Tse-Tung. Remarkable for its clear organization, lucid prose, and the acuity of its intellectual and moral insights, The Art of War is the definitive study of combat. It is an essential book for military history buffs, and an ideal gift for anyone who is interested in tactics and strategy, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom.
Customer Reviews:
Great edition for gift giving.......2007-07-11
This edition makes for a terrific gift for the college graduate. The illustrations and photos add visual interest; the text layout makes for "easy" reading. Although we already own several editions of this classic, this will be added to our personal collection.
If only GW Bush had read it first........2007-07-03
This is a classic work on what works and doesn't work it war. It is from the 3rd century BC and cuts through the BS of modern war science. Must reading for all future Presidents, Secretaries of Defense and General Officers.
book arrived on time and in condition described.......2007-06-12
book arrived on time and in condition described
eager for audiobook of this .......2007-04-11
As a Chinese, I can say that author grasp the essence of Art of war and the English is beautiful.
I see adiobook on this topic. What no one for this version? strongly suggest and if come out I would buy it firstly.
Factoids.......2007-04-09
Thought I provide some facts about this edition of The Art of War by Sun Tzu, translated by Samuel B. Griffith. The translation in this book is the same as the UNESCO edition, but there are some differences in the contents.
Removes Appendix III. Sun Tzu in Western Languages
Removes Appendix IV. Brief Biographies of the Commentators
Removes the Maps
Adds seventy-five images
Pages are in a satin texture
In addition, this translation was done earlier than the findings from 1972, however, the analysis and commentary is top notch, so I would definitely recommend reading this and additional more up to date translation to complement.
Book Description
From the mid-16th century to the beginning of World War II, foreigners learned a great deal about China through trade contacts. This lavishly illustrated social history highlights the lives and lifestyles of the merchants, mercenaries, missionaries, adventurers and refugees who came to China during this period, set against the backdrop of China's great cities and the ancient culture of its people.
A short commentary on the history of the period sets the scene in each chapter, allowing readers to follow the dramatic changes that took place through these turbulent years. The informative text and hundreds of images, many never published before, brilliantly capture the atmosphere of China throughout the centuries.
Book Description
The early trade in silk was carried on against incredible odds by great caravans of merchants and animals traveling over some of the most inhospitable territory on the face of the earth, including searing, waterless deserts and snowbound mountain passes. Beginning at the magnificent ancient Chinese city of Chang'an (Xi'an), the route took traders westward along the Hexi Corridor to the giant barrier of the Great Wall, then either north or south of the Taklamakan Desert to Kashgar before continuing on to India and Iran, or to the great cities of Constantinople, Damascus and Baghdad. For today's traveler, it is not only the weight of history that makes the Silk Road intriguing, but the incredible diversity of scenery and ethnic people along the way. This beautifully photographed and intelligent book is the authoritative guide to travel in the region.
- Uniquely focused guidebook for travelers to western China
- Xinjiang, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai and Shaanxi
- By rail to Central Asia
- Fauna and flora of the Altun Mountain Nature Reserve
- Practical information including border crossings to Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian republics
- General overview of the Silk Road's history
- Details of the region's ethnic peoples, arts, crafts, history and culture
- Comprehensive list of recommended websites for further research and reading
- 93 color photographs
- 15 fully revised, easy-to-follow maps
Customer Reviews:
Bodkin.......2007-01-10
I found this book most useful on a recent trip along the Chinese Silk Route and would recommend anyone doing the same to purchase the book.
Customer Reviews:
Fascinating book with lots of pictures!.......2006-07-03
This large and attractive book gives the history of pirates from the 1600s to today. Organized primarily chronologically, but also by region, the book traces the history of piracy from pirates sailing the Spanish Main, through the Barbary Corsairs, French and American pirates, Chinese pirates of the nineteenth century, and pirates around the world at the beginning of the twenty-first century.
Overall, I found this to be a fascinating book. Plus, what makes the book even nicer is that it is chock-full of large and interesting pictures. Is this a coffee-table book? I suppose so, but it is an excellent history book, sure to please anyone interested in learning more about pirates and piracy. I give this book my highest recommendations!
Excellent pirate books with many color pictures.......2004-12-15
The 1996 issue of this book is the first edition. The 1998 book is a second edition. This book contains many color pictures and is very detailed. It is a 8 1/2 by 11 inch book and about 1 inch thick. David Cordingly is an excellent writer. One of the well known authors of pirate books.
An excellent introduction to the study of piracy.......2000-05-29
"Pirates" is a very well documented book on the history of pirates throughout the ages, from Ancient Greece to the present. Each chapter is written by a specialist in each theme, which makes the reading amusing because of some different points of view of the authors about the same aspects of piracy. No other book on piracy unites so many highly qualified historians on this theme. The reader will be amazed with the pictures, drawings and maps, a remarkable aspect of the book, which makes this full - color edition unique. I have not found such a good and complete pictography on pirates elsewhere. The book includes innovating chapters with new information, such as the last one, entitled "Piracy Today". Since this theme has not been covered by many authors, the chapter constitutes an excellent reference for people interested in doing further investigation. Even though, "Pirates" does not constitute a complete work on piracy, it can best be defined as a glance at sea banditry in different places and times. All the chapters captured me but left me with a sense of "wanting more", which has encouraged me to search for more books on every aspect of Pirate History. Pirates is an excellent book as an introduction to the study of piracy.
yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.......2000-02-14
fairly good book about pirates, though it would have been nice to hear something about like a secret island, something about the secret life of pirates. a good book anyways, though
Tremendous........1999-10-19
This book is exquisite. Highly detailed, with rich lush paintings and drawings, it fully explores the many aspects of a rover's life. I highly recommend it.
Average customer rating:
- A rare find
- Lovely book for children
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Empress of China, Wu Ze Tian: Written by Jiang Cheng an ; Illustrated by Xu De Yuan
Cheng-An Chiang
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ASIN: 1878217313 |
Book Description
A beautiful young nun with skin as smooth as silk and a face as lovely as a spring flower silently cooked and cleaned all day at Gan Ye Buddhist Temple. Every evening she joined the other nuns in chanting sutras.
Who would believe that this delicate young nun was destined to become Emperor of China - the only female emperor in more than 5,000 years of Chinese history.
Wu Ze Tian held power for almost half a century during the Tang Dynasty (618- 907 AD), a period of prospertiy and cultural achievement in China.
Customer Reviews:
A rare find.......2001-09-03
A children's book in English (bilingual, actually) on a the only Chinese female emperor in history. This book definitely breaks stereotypes of passive Asian females. Great book for young students, especially with the lavish pictures. But I would also love to see an adult version of this book.
Lovely book for children.......2000-05-30
This delightful book on the only woman who served as empress in her own right in China (the later, famous Empress Dowager ruled behind her son and nephews, only) is well written and nicely illustrated. It is, however, a children's book, which I was not expecting when I ordered it. I would say that it would make a delightful gift for a young person, but it is light on information for any interested scholar.
Book Description
The 3,965-mile-long Yangtze River, which flows from the barren snowfields of Tibet to the fertile delta near Shanghai, has been a main trade artery for 2,000 years. Shaw's richly illustrated guide captures the most spectacular section of this remarkable river, the famous Three Gorges region, which extends downstream for a distance of 120 miles through the Wushan Mountains from Baidicheng to the Nanjin Pass near Yichang. Surrounded by towering peaks and enclosed by precipitous cliffs, each gorge has its own distinctive and dramatic scenery, containing features that have long attracted both local and overseas visitors. The economic and social history of this section of the river is an equally compelling read. 70 color photos, 9 maps & diagrams.
Book Description
Home to one-quarter of the world's population and heir to the richest civilization in history, China continues to exert a magnetic attraction on visitors. Archeological treasures, architectural masterpieces, stunning natural beauty and the inexhaustible variety of its people make any visit to China an unforgettable experience.
China has so many diverse regions that visitors often have difficulty in knowing where to begin. This guide helps narrow the options. As well as detailed descriptions of the major cities and their environs, a selection of suggested expeditions for the more adventurous includes all the major tourist sites, the more remote provinces and several climbable mountains. Special sections examine such topics as Chinese opera, calligraphy and painting and opportunities for seeing unique wildlife. 72 color photos, 11 maps.
Average customer rating:
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Chinese Clothing: An Illustrated Guide
Valery M. Garrett
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0195864263 |
Book Description
With nearly 300 illustrations and an accessible text, Chinese Clothing: An Illustrated Guide presents 600 years of the development of Chinese dress, from the beginnings of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to the present day. While providing a full treatment of Imperial robes and textiles, the author also documents several areas of costume design overlooked by earlier writers, such as children's wear, rural clothing and wedding and funeral attire.
Customer Reviews:
Good reference material.......2000-05-04
This is a good book for someone interested in historical research on Chinese costume. I personally find photos even more informative than text. Unfortunatly for me this book is heavy on text. Although there are a number of good photos, there still are not quite enough for my taste.
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