China: People Place Culture History | 
| Author: Dk Publishing
Publisher: DK Publishing
Category: Book
List Price: $40.00
Buy New: $22.00
You Save: $18.00 (45%)
New (31) Used (12) from $19.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 12364
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 360
Shipping Weight (lbs): 5.1
Dimensions (in): 12.2 x 10.3 x 1.3
ISBN: 0756631599
Dewey Decimal Number: 951
EAN: 9780756631598
ASIN: 0756631599
Publication Date: September 3, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Condition: *New Book From Independent Bookstore With Many Best Of Awards During Past 25 Years. We recommend EXPEDITED Shipping option selection for 2 to 6 business day delivery time ; as STANDARD media mail i
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Book Description
As the world's oldest continuous civilization and most populous country, with the fastest-growing economy, China is experiencing profound social, economic, and political change. A detailed exploration of the country's long, rich history paired with its complex present makes China a one-of-a-kind reference that offers an eye-opening, thought-provoking and authoritative visual guide to one of the world's great nations. AUTHOR BIO: Written by an international team of China specialists.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
Great book, but... May 29, 2008
This book has beautiful pictures and good writing. I got one for my 5th grader, and another as a gift for a friend. Unfortunately, both copies were somewhat damaged (one copy had a crease in the front, and the other copy has a slit in the middle). I think the production/ manufacture of this book is not perfect. What a shame as it is truly a beautiful book to be treasured.
Gorgeous journey through a vast country December 22, 2007
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I visited China earlier this year on business, so I was intrigued when I came across this book. When I opened it, I was not disappointed. This book celebrates China and its variety of culture, art, landscapes and rich history with beautiful photography and educational text.
The beginning section of the book draws you in with page after page of beautiful photographs of different landscapes in China, sprinkled with verses from Chinese poetry (translated to English, of course). It makes the reader aware of the varied landscapes (snow to desert, mountains to plans, forest to fields) that make up the vast country of China. Truly a treasury of photos!
The next section explains Chinese history, complete with a timeline. The information is provided in titled short paragraphs and articles so it is easy for the reader to get a glimpse of the history and read quick pieces for more detail. Small articles include items such as "The Grand Canal" and "The Boxer Uprising". All are sprinkled with old photographs and pictures of paintings and artifacts.
The most delightful section of the book is "A Day in the Life" which is a collection of stories about daily life of particular people in different areas of China. There's the life of a student in Shaanxi, a Chinese herbalist, a Buddist Monk, a Cricket Seller, and a farmer, just to name a few. The photos and text provide a window into the lives of the people of China to let the reader see life from their eyes.
There is also a section on Chinese Culture, which includes articles on philosphy and religion, painting, literature and Chinese opera.
The last segment of the book is entitled "Architecture" and contains pieces on various types of building styles, both old and new. From modern buildings such as the 88-story Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai to an old Buddist Monastery in Hebei, this chapter contains a wealth of information and beautiful photography. The Jin Mao Tower is truly stunning inside (I wish I had gone to see it while I was there!). The Couple's Garden is typical of the gardens in Suzhou that I visited while there. One of the most beautiful places shown in called the "Temple of Heaven" with colorful painted decor and detailed stonework.
I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about China and its culture. It is not only informative, but makes a beautiful "coffee table book"!
Stunningly beautiful & informative December 11, 2007
Stunningly beautiful photos ... well-organized chapters ... plenty of information on many aspects of Chinese culture. I gave this book to my 11-year-old nephew for Christmas, so he will begin to appreciate that China is very much more than a supplier for Wal-Mart!
Taoism and Chinese culture December 7, 2007
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
Taoism is the heart of Chinese culture. This is what makes Chinese different from Westerners. One cannot understand Chinese culture and Chinese elite without understanding Taoism. ---By the author of Warren Buffett and Tao Te Ching: A Modern Investor and an Age-Old Philosophy
Reactions of the book from 3 different generations. November 29, 2007
17 out of 17 found this review helpful
I will summarize the reactions and comments from 3 different generations with different experiences.
1. Our parents' generation who live in China but visit US occasionally - This book has a different perspective about China. It is not how we view it, but it also strikes a cord with us because it combined something old and something new, or in another word, a new perspective on both new and old things.
2. Our generation who lived in China until college years and then lived in the US afterwards - Great introductory book of China. It is simple and it is mostly from a Westerner's perspective in terms of how the history, architecture and cultures are described - a very good one indeed. It is certainly missing a lot of information, especially about the culture and the ways of life in the northern part of China where tradionationally held a stronger influence in the country. But we also agree that this book is an effective introduction.
3. The kids who are born in the US and managed a visit or two to China - Curious. Tell me more. Is that really how you lived, Mom and Dad?
So overall, it is a wonderful book to read and many great photos to look at.
As much as it feels complete, it is only a simple slice of China and you can only take one slice at a time.
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