- ISBN13: 9780385737487
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
A fascinating book about the history and culture of China.
The history of China spans thousands of years. Journey through China in this fascinating and absorbing book: discover the land of dragons and emperors, and learn about the significance of its ancient dynasties. Countless tools and materials that people have used every day for centuries—paper, gunpowder, cast iron, matches, and silk, to name just a few—were first made in China. Chinese society has progressed through major changes, but lucky numbers, festivals, beliefs about colors, the practic of footbinding, the building of the Great Wall, and the larger-than-life people of China are all integral parts of this ancient civilization and still have an impact on life today.
Bestselling author Adeline Yen Mah explores an extraordinary view of the great story of China over the last two millennia in this nonfiction work, which also includes black-and-white photographs.
China: Land of Dragons and Emperors
Book Review by Sarah Mar (Marsarah@gmail.com)
If you want just one book that provides not only insight into China’s rich history, but also offers a glimpse of its traditions and beliefs (such as why the 2008 Beijing Olympics opened on 8/8/08 at 8 pm), Adeline Mah’s “China, Land of Dragons and Emperors” would be it.
This non-fiction book reviews the last 2200 years of China’s past. It is a relatively brief, but comprehensive coverage of a long and diverse history. After introducing the First Emperor, who unified China and is mostly known for building the Great Wall as well as the over 7,000 Terra Cotta Warriors in his enormous tomb, six major dynasties are highlighted, each with a noteworthy and descriptive heading:
The Founding Dynasty (Han), The Golden Dynasty (Tang), The Divided Dynasty (Song), The Mongol Dynasty (Yuan), The Eunuchs’ Dynasty (Ming), and The Crippled Dynasty (Qing). The abdication of the last emperor in 1912 ended this dynastic system which endured for over 2,000 years.
Best-selling author, Mah, concisely reviews each period with salient clarity. Each episode with an opening remarks, to give reader a preview of the era that is about to be learned. I especially like the remarks from 1912 to Today’s capital City: Beijing
“After WWII… the most powerful man was Mao Zedong who unified the country but caused millions of deaths and great suffering. After Mao, China opens its doors, and transformed itself into a modern nation” This illustrates how succinctly the essence of just one time-period can be characterized.
This book is an easy read and a unique resource for anyone interested in China’s rich history but daunted by its lengthy past.
Rating: 5 / 5
A story of China from ancient China to present-day China in one book, by Adeline Yen Mah, describes many interesting facts about China. It goes through every important dynasty of ancient China, including the most famous people, capitals, inventions, and extra facts and stories mentioned in the reading for each dynasty. This book shows you many beliefs in China too: like lucky numbers, colors, and even unlucky words. It explains everything up to the communist government of today, where no more emperors rule. China: Land of Dragons and Emperors is a good book for those who want to understand this world from a different perspective.
Rating: 3 / 5