1421, The Year China Discovered America  •  Gavin Menzies HISTORY •  2004 •  PAPER  • 336 PAGES Former submarine commander Menzies' provocative argument that the largest fleet of ships the world had ever seen, navigated by the Chinese, discovered America 70 years before Columbus. Discredited by most scholars, it is nonetheless interesting reading. (CHN216, $15.95)
About Face: A History of America's Curious Relationship With China  •  James Mann HISTORY •  2000 •  PAPER  • 464 PAGES Written by a journalist who lived in China in the late 1980s, this book follows and analyzes the course of Chinese-American associations through the 20th century. While political ideologies split these two nations, they are inevitably linked in the world of international trade and power struggles. (CHN111, $16.95)
The Analects of Confucius  •  D. C. Lao  •  Confucius RELIGION •  1979 •  PAPER  • 160 PAGES A popular and acclaimed modern translation of the writing of Confucius, an essential introduction to the man and his thoughts. Includes explanatory notes. (CHN123, $12.00)
Anthology of Chinese Literature, Volume II: From the 14th Century to the Present Day  •  Cyril Birch ANTHOLOGY •  1988 •  PAPER  • 476 PAGES An excellent collection of representative verse, song, stories, essays and excerpts from classic novels, a sampling of Chinese writing over the last 700 years with an introduction by the editor. It includes Ghosts and other Marvels, Red Chamber Dream and writing by masters little known in the West. This volume follows Birch's well received anthology of writings from ancient China, a banquet of love stories, operatic plays, drinking poems and other traditional Chinese writing. (CHN14, $16.50)
Around the Bloc: My Life in Moscow, Beijing, and Havana  •  Stephanie Elizondo Griest BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2004 •  PAPER  • 416 PAGES The offbeat memoirs of a native Texan who spent four years as a volunteer in Moscow, a propaganda officer in Beijing, and a belly dancer in Havana. You may have come across Griest's distinctive voice in a collection of Travelers' Tales, where she is a regular contributor. She's young, a witty observer with a way with words, and utterly passionate about travel. This is her first book, as much memoir as travel account, spanning four years and three continents. (RUS242, $14.95)
Art in China  •  Craig Clunas ART & ARCHITECTURE •  1997 •  PAPER  • 255 PAGES A compact, well-illustrated handbook to art in China with sections on Tomb, Court and Temple Art, art of the Elite and commercial art. Clunas touches on the full range of arts in China from the Neolithic throught eh 20th century with appropriate emphasis is placed on religious art and the products of the Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties. With hundreds of full color, often full page, illustrations and maps. (CHN247, $27.95)
The Arts of China  •  Michael Sullivan ART & ARCHITECTURE •  2000 •  PAPER  • 322 PAGES A comprehensive survey of Chinese visual arts -- and culture -- through the ages. It's a lively overview, thoroughly illustrated and accessible, covering bronzes, lacquer, ceramics, painting and architecture, from the Neolithic to the modern. With 380 illustrations, half in color. This is the fourth edition of Sullivan's popular textbook, equally appropriate for the serious traveler or general reader. (CHN16, $41.95)
Asian Values and Human Rights, A Confucian Communitarian Perspective  •  William Theodore de Bary CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2000 •  PAPER  • 208 PAGES (ASA29, $19.95)
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress  •  Sijie Dai  •  Ina Rilke LITERATURE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 208 PAGES A charming, unexpectedly witty, tale of two teenage boys in China sent off to the countryside during Mao's Cultural Revolution. This slim novel celebrates the power of stories and literature and the imagination. (CHN159, $12.95)
Bamboo Shoots After the Rain, Contemporary Stories by Women Writers of Taiwan  •  Ann C. Carver  •  Sung-Sheng Y. Chang ANTHOLOGY •  1990 •  PAPER  • 264 PAGES An anthology of 14 stories by three generations of Taiwanese women from the 1940s to the 1980s, dealing with issues of sexuality, tradition and politics. (TWN02, $14.95)
Before the Deluge, The Vanishing World of the Yangtze's Three Gorges  •  Deirdre Chetham CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2004 •  PAPER  • 306 PAGES • COMING IN A vivid portrait of the Three Gorges region of the Upper Yangtze River by the Director of the Asia Center at Harvard -- and veteran lecturer on study trips to China. Chetham offers a personal, detailed glimpse into the daily life along the river, its spectacular natural beauty and checkered history. She also considers the recent efforts to tame the river, culminating with the massive Three Gorges dam. Highly recommended. (CHN132, $19.95)
Beijing Map  •  Borch Maps 2007 •  MAP This laminated, folded map of the city center of Beijing, at a scale of 1:24,000 notes 2008 Olympic venues, attractions, a map of the metro and ddetailed inset maps of key attractions. With an index and Chinese characters for key place names, very useful for getting around by taxi. (CHN199, $8.95)
Beyond the Stone Arches, An American Missionary Doctor in China, 1892-1932  •  Edward Bliss, Jr. BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2001 •  HARD COVER  • 256 PAGES A memoir of the author's physician father and his work in China at the turn of the 20th century by the broadcast journalist Edward Bliss. (CHN95, $24.95)
Big Dragon, The Future of China  •  Daniel Burstein  •  Arne de Keijzer HISTORY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 416 PAGES An overview of China's culture, economy, and emergence as a superpower. The authors focus on future prospects and the increasingly important foreign relations with the U.S. Burstein, an investment banker, focuses on opportunities for engagement and trade. (CHN208, $21.95)
Blue and White: Chinese Porcelain Around the World  •  John Carswell ART & ARCHITECTURE •  2000 •  HARD COVER  • 224 PAGES This beautifully illustrated and scholarly survey shows the development and history of Chinese Blue and White porcelain, developed for trade during the height of the Medieval Mongol Empire and, thus, transported throughout Asia to the Mediterranean world. Carswell brings to the book an artist's eye and his knowledge of 13th to 16th-century trade routes. In looking at the exchange between China and the rest of the world over this period, he traces the impact of Islamic and other influences on Chinese potters and European fascination with chinoiserie. With 130 color reproductions from museums and private collections, including the British Museum (which originally published the book). Carswell was curator of the Oriental Institute Museum and director of the Museum of Fine Arts at the University of Chicago. (CAS95, $65.00)
Bones of the Master, A Journey to Secret Mongolia  •  George Crane TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2001 •  PAPER  • 304 PAGES An odd, captivating biography of a 75-year-old Zen monk who escaped Inner Mongolia in the wake of China's Great Leap Forward in 1959, and the tale of his unlikely journey back to China with next-door-neighbor, friend and poet George Crane. It's a powerful story and not a bad introduction to Chinese history and Ch'an Buddhism. (CHN96, $17.00)
Born Red, A Chronicle of the Cultural Revolution  •  Yuan Gao BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  1987 •  PAPER  • 380 PAGES The memoir of a young man, the son of a government official in northern China, who joins the Cultural Revolution against the wishes of his family. (CHN255, $27.95)
Bound  •  Donna Jo Napoli LITERATURE •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 192 PAGES • YOUNG ADULTS A retelling of the Cinderella tale, infused with Chinese myth and history. Napoli includes all the familair elements of the original -- evil stepmothers, servitude and lost slippers -- but roots them firmly in 14th century China. The well-told tale has much historical and cultural detail, especially on the topic of gender. Xing Xing, the headstrong independent protagonist, will appeal to young adults. (CHN236, $16.95)
Bridge of Birds  •  Barry Hughart LITERATURE •  1990 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES A novel of whimsy and fantasy set in ancient China, following the fantastic and humorous quest for the Great Root of Power, the only cure for a town overrun by illness. (CHN117, $7.50)
Buddha  •  Demi RELIGION •  1996 •  HARD COVER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Beautiful, intricately detailed, full-color illustrations make this life of the Buddha an excellent choice for children. Demi tells the story of the sheltered upbringing of Indian prince Siddhartha, his first encounter with death and human suffering, and his subsequent search for enlightenment. Intended for children age 7-10. (ASA17, $21.95)
Buddha  •  Karen Armstrong RELIGION •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 240 PAGES A concise, thought-provoking biography of the Buddha in the Penguin Lives series, written by one of the foremost experts on world religions. A member of the Association of Muslim Social Services in Jerusalem, Karen Armstrong is a former Roman Catholic nun who teaches Judaism. Her many books include: A History of God; Islam, a Short History; and Jerusalem: One City Three Faiths. She has also written a biography of Mohammed. (REL09, $14.00)
Buddha Stories  •  Demi RELIGION •  1997 •  HARD COVER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Intended for ages 4 to 8, this book tells 10 of the author's favorite "jakatas," or moral tales of the Buddha. She has sumptuously illustrated the volume in gold printed on deep, dark blue (in the tradition of an ancient Buddhist text). Gorgeous (at least in very good light!), and a compelling introduction to Buddhism for children. (ASA16, $20.00)
Buddhism in Chinese History  •  Arthur F Wright RELIGION •  1983 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES This standard short survey by a leading scholar of premodern China is a popular required text for university courses on Chinese history and religion. Originally published in 1959 and conversational in tone, the book is based on six lectures on the transformation of Chinese culture by Buddhism. With a small section of black-and-white photogaphs. (CHN131, $19.95)
Buddhism: Origins, Beliefs, Practices, Holy Texts, Sacred Places  •  Malcolm David Eckel RELIGION •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 112 PAGES A concise introduction to the theology and social practice of Buddhism. Eckel, a professor of East Asian religion at Boston University, uses short primary sources to help readers understand Buddhism in its own words. (CHN248, $17.95)
Buddhist Art and Architecture  •  Robert Fisher ART & ARCHITECTURE •  1993 •  PAPER  • 216 PAGES A wide-ranging, illustrated survey of Buddhist art, architecture and iconography in the excellent World of Art series. It includes examples from throughout Asia. (ASA30, $18.95)
Central China Map  •  Nelles MAP An excellent shaded relief map in the regional series by Nelles, at a scale of 1:1,500,000. It's an attractive map at a much-better-than-usual scale which covers from Shanghai west across the country, including Xian, Three Gorges and other popular destinations. (CHN65, $10.95)
Chasing the Panda  •  Michael Kiefer TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 230 PAGES Subtitled: How an Unlikely Pair of Adventurers Won the Race to Capture the Mythical "White Bear", this engaging book unearths the spellbinding tale of a charismatic young Chinese American and American socialite Ruth Harkness, and their successful expedition into remote Sichuan in 1936 to recover a panda bear. The panda cub (though it lived only 16 months in the Brookfield Zoo) caused a sensation. The author, who had originally intended to write about Harkness, interviewed the elderly Quentin Young and his brother Jack for the book. (CHN166, $24.95)
China Map  •  International Travel Maps 2006 •  MAP A fine, double-sided map of China, at a useful scale of 1:3,800,000, featuring colorful shaded relief, indexed with an inset map of central Beijing. Fifth edition. It also shows parts of Korea, Mongolia, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan and Burma. (CHN06, $11.95)
China Men  •  Maxine Hong Kingston LITERATURE •  1989 •  PAPER  • 308 PAGES A novel of three generations of Chinese men adjusting to life in America, drawn from experience and traditional Chinese stories. (CHN118, $13.95)
China Rail Handbook  •  Nick Hill GUIDEBOOK •  2008 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES • COMING IN SEPTEMBER A comprehensive, practical guide to rail travel in China, including timetables, helpful tips on booking tickets, historical background, and an atlas with 100 route maps. (CHN200, $24.95)
The China Reader, The Reform Era  •  Orville Schell  •  David Shambaugh HISTORY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 553 PAGES This sourcebook on contemporary China includes first-hand material by Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, along with insightful essays by several scholars on the culture and politics of China over the last 25 years. Dean of the graduate school of journalism at Berkeley and a China scholar, Schell is also the author of Mandate of Heaven and Virtual Tibet. Co-editor and contributor David Shambaugh, professor at George Washington University, is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. (CHN224, $17.95)
China Wall Map  •  National Geographic 1997 •  MAP A wall map of China from the cartographers at National Geographic, at a scale of 1:7,800,000. Price includes priority shipping in a sturdy cardboard tube. (CHN197, $14.99)
China's Bravest Girl: The Legend of Hua Mu Lan  •  Charlie Chin  •  Tomie Arai LITERATURE •  1997 •  PAPER • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) The classic legend of Mu Lan is retold for readers ages 6 to 10 in this bilingual edition. As you probably remember from the Disney animated feature, Mu Lan disguises herself as a man and fights for her family's honor. Narrated in rhyme, it's perfect for reading aloud. Chinese characters are integrated into the full color illustrations. (CHN261, $7.95)
China, A True Book  •  Dennis Brindell Fradin CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1997 •  PAPER  • 48 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A slim, illustrated introduction to China for younger readers (ages 6-8). With a color map and nice selection of photographs showing the landscapes, cities, people, and monuments of China. (CHN135, $6.95)
China, Its History and Culture  •  W. Scott Morton HISTORY •  2004 •  PAPER  • 368 PAGES A concise survey of Chinese history, people and culture from the Neolithic to present times. Morton, who wrote a similar book on the history of Japan, weaves together politics, culture and history, and includes selections from literature and arts, anecdotes and illustrations. Aimed at the college student, the book is also appropriate for the traveler. (CHN22, $18.95)
The Chinese  •  Jasper Becker CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2002 •  PAPER  • 304 PAGES An insightful, up-to-date account of the contradictions, diversity and potential in contemporary Chinese society and economy, by a veteran journalist and astute observer. (CHN97, $21.95)
Chinese Art  •  Mary Tregear ART & ARCHITECTURE •  1997 •  PAPER  • 216 PAGES A quick, but surprisingly thorough survey of Chinese art, including calligraphy and painting, sculpture and ceramics, as well as garden design, architecture, and various crafts. Part of the "World of Art" series, it is illustrated throughout. (CHN153, $18.95)
Chinese Art & Culture  •  Richard Ellis Vinograd  •  Robert L. Thorp HISTORY •  2001 •  HARD COVER  • 440 PAGES A fine introduction to more than 7,000 years of Chinese art, from the Neolithic jade carving and Ming pottery to contemporary installations, video and performance. The handsomely produced book is not as much an overview of well known masterpieces as an investigation of a continuously evolving tradition. (CHN94, $85.00)
Chinese Buddhist Art  •  Patricia Eichenbaum Karetzky HISTORY •  2003 •  HARD COVER  • 96 PAGES A very short overview of Chinese Buddhist art with 24 black-and-white and 24 color illustrations in the Oxford University Press Images of Asia series. (CHN252, $24.95)
Chinese Fairy Tales and Fantasies  •  Moss Roberts LITERATURE •  1980 •  PAPER  • 258 PAGES • FAMILY Moss Roberts combed 2,500 years of the Chinese folk tradition for this anthology of one hundred short Chinese tales. Decorated with woodcut illustrations throughout, this is another volume in Pantheon's excellent folklore series. (CHN146, $16.00)
Chinese Families in the Post-Mao Era  •  Deborah Davis  •  Stevan Harrell HISTORY •  1993 •  PAPER  • 400 PAGES A collection of scholarly essays on contemporary Chinese family structures, both rural and urban, intellectual and working class, contributed by eleven experts. (CHN203, $37.95)
The Chinese Garden  •  Joseph Cho Wang ART & ARCHITECTURE •  1998 •  HARD COVER  • 72 PAGES A slim, illustrated guide to Chinese garden design and traditions in the Images of Asia series. With 19 color and 24 black-and-white photographs of gardens in Suzhou and Yangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. Joseph Cho Wang is professor of architecture at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. (CHN233, $24.95)
The Chinese Garden: History, Art and Architecture  •  Maggie Keswick NATURAL HISTORY •  2003 •  HARD COVER  • 240 PAGES An oversized illustrated survey of Chinese gardens, updated and expanded in this third edition by Alison Hardie. First published 25 years ago, the book is a classic survey of the symbolism, meaning and beauty of Chinese gardens. With 120 color photographs, 82 black-and-white photographs and 23 illustrations. (CHN198, $39.95)
The Chinese Have a Word for It, The Complete Guide to Chinese Thought and Culture  •  Boye Lafayette De Mente CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2000 •  PAPER  • 528 PAGES De Mente introduces readers to the history and culture of China through a study of the country's language. Over 300 words and phrases from ai (love) to zuxian (revering your ancestors) are analyzed for their cultural significance. More than a linguistic study, this book is also a practical companion for any traveler to China hoping to avoid cultural faux pas. (CHN185, $17.95)
The Chinese Kitchen  •  Eileen Yin-Fei Lo FOOD •  1999 •  HARD COVER  • 452 PAGES An authoritative and delightful book about food and cultural practices in a very food-oriented culture. "Have you eaten yet?" the Chinese traditionally ask each other when they meet by chance in the street, and here Eileen Yin-Fei Lo has written a cookbook which doubles as an introduction to China itself. It's a compendium not only of recipes (of which there are hundreds, all authentic, all clearly explained), but also of lessons in Chinese history, folkloric tales, and reminiscences of the author's childhood in Guangdong province, where she learned to cook at her grandmother's side. With chapters on Chinese tea and how to stock a Chinese pantry, plus a recipe for the 28-ingredient feast dish known as "Buddha Jump over the Wall", this is a book -- in English! -- that any Chinese cook would want. (CHN134, $39.95)
Chinese Poetry, An Anthology of Major Modes and Genres  •  Wai-Lim Yip LITERATURE •  1997 •  PAPER  • 360 PAGES Wai-Lim Yip combs the literature for the finest and more unusual examples of poems from Chinese traditions. (CHN174, $24.95)
Chinese Rugs: A Buyer's Guide  •  Lee Allane GUIDEBOOK •  1994 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES A guide to the history, techniques and variety of carpets produced throughout China, including typical motifs and materials. It features a practical guide to price and quality for the prospective buyer. (CHN30, $15.95)
Conquering the Desert of Death, Across the Taklamakan  •  Charles Blackmore  •  Peter Hopkirk EXPLORATION •  2008 •  PAPER  • 268 PAGES An account of Major Blackmore's extraordinary two-month-long, 780-mile trek across the high dunes of remote Xianjiang, first published in 1995. His Anglo-Chinese expedition was the first to cross the full length of the Tarim Basin. The sole woman in the team, Carolyn Ellis, was one of two expedition members to walk the entire route without once riding a camel. (CAS68, $16.95)
Cowboy on the Steppes  •  Yi Nan Zhang  •  Song Nan Zhang CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1997 •  HARD COVER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) Artist and children's book author Song Nan Zhang here illustrates his brother Yi's journal of a year among the Mongolian cattle herders. In 1968 Yi Nan Zhang requested the Chinese government's permission to work as a cowboy. His brief diary entries, wonderfully illustrated by Song, conjure up a rough-and-ready world. Children of all ages will find something to love about this short book. (MGL34, $15.95)
Culture Shock! China  •  Iris Wong Po-Yee  •  Kevin Sinclair GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER  • 240 PAGES Written for the businessman, resident or traveler, this guide is a lively introduction to modern Chinese culture and manners. Its focus is on customs and business etiquette. (CHN204, $15.95)
Daughter of the River, An Autobiography  •  Hong Ying BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2000 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES Originally titled "Daughter of Hunger," this ia a thoroughly engaging, inspirational autobiography of a young woman writer coming of age during the Great Famine of China. Hong Ying provides a vivid account of growing up on the banks of the Yangtze River amongst severe impoverishment, political oppression and intense familial strain. This is an honest story of a woman's struggle for civil liberation in a land whose river symbolizes, for her, the spirit and unity of her people. Translated from Chinese by Howard Goldblatt. (CHN240, $14.00)
The Death of Woman Wang  •  Jonathan Spence LITERATURE •  1978 •  PAPER  • 169 PAGES The turbulent saga about a runaway wife who is murdered by her husband, set in 17th century China and written by one of the foremost western scholars on China. (CHN58, $14.00)
Did Marco Polo Go to China?  •  Frances Wood EXPLORATION •  1998 •  PAPER  • 208 PAGES A critical look at the manuscripts and evidence regarding this most famous of journeys, Wood's book raises fascinating questions as to the authenticity of the travel journals written while Marco Polo was in prison in Genoa. (CAS28, $35.00)
Dragon Lady, The Life and Legend of the Last Empress of China  •  Sterling Seagrave BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  1993 •  PAPER  • 601 PAGES (CHN229, $18.95)
Dream of the Red Chamber  •  Chi-Chen Wang  •  Tsao Hsueh-Chin LITERATURE •  1958 •  PAPER  • 329 PAGES An ill-fated affair between two doomed lovers is the basis for China's most loved novel. Written in the 18th-century, the stunning and engaging story is a wonderful introduction to China at that time. The beauty of the tale is captured by Wang's careful yet abridged translation -- in Chinese, the work is three times the size. As much a part of Chinese collective consciousness as Romeo and Juliet is for Western readers, the story is the basis for a popular television series and theme park in China. (CHN192, $14.95)
East Asia, Tradition and Transformation  •  John Fairbank  •  Edwin O. Reischauer  •  Albert M. Craig HISTORY •  1990 •  HARD COVER  • 1027 PAGES A sprawling history of China and Japan, covering ancient through modern times. (ASA18, $171.96)
Emperor's Silent Army, Terracotta Warriors of Ancient China  •  Jane O'Connor HISTORY •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 48 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) Visually engaging and with an exciting plot line, this informative book introduces the Terracotta Army of the first Qin emperor to young readers ages 9-12. (CHN182, $17.99)
Empire of the Sun  •  J. G. Ballard LITERATURE •  2005 •  PAPER  • 279 PAGES Ballard's widely acclaimed novel of an English boy in Shanghai during the Japanese occupation, drawn from his own experiences. It's a powerful tale of the upheaval and trauma of war. The book was also made into a film. Originally published in 1984. (CHN265, $13.00)
Empress Orchid  •  Anchee Min LITERATURE •  2005 •  PAPER  • 346 PAGES A novel of the glorious, decadent last days of 19th-Century Imperial China. Min (Red Azalea, Becoming Madame Mao) combines her tale of a young girl from the provinces who marries an emperor -- and then improbably becomes the Last Empress -- with a lovingly re-created portrait of life in the Forbidden City. Pearl Buck told a much more romanticized tale of the same remarkable woman in Imperial Woman. (CHN267, $14.00)
The Empty Pot  •  Demi LITERATURE •  1991 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A Chinese emperor announces that his successor will be the child who grows the most beautiful flowers from the seeds the emperor distributes. Ping, a Chinese boy who can make anything grow, is disappointed when nothing comes up in his pot. Ignoring the blossoms brought by other children since he had secretely distributed cooked seeds that would not grow, the emperor rewards Ping for his honesty. Exquisitely illustrated by Demi, this story is geared for readers ages 4-7. (CHN106, $17.95)
Eyewitness Guide China  •  Eyewitness Guides GUIDEBOOK •  2005 •  FLEXI-BOUND  • 672 PAGES A hefty, richly illustrated guide to sites, attractions and places throughout China. With excellent maps and hundreds of full color photographs and site diagrams. A 50-page appendix covers where to stay, eat, draink and shop. The guide covers all China from Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong to Sichuan, Yunnan, Zinjiang and Tibet. (CHN242, $30.00)
Farewell My Concubine  •  Kaige Chen 1993 •  DVD The moving story of a fifty-year friendship between two men who meet as children in the Peking Opera. Their friendship continues against the backdrop of China's tumultuous political history, as their roles as king and concubine become widely recognized throughout the region, and as a beautiful woman almost comes between them. (CHN226, $14.99)
Favorite Children's Stories from China and Tibet  •  Koon-chiu Lo  •  Lotta Carswell Hume LITERATURE •  2001 •  HARD COVER  • 120 PAGES • FAMILY A highly recommended collection of 19 Chinese and Tibetan tales, collected and retold by an American doctor's wife who lived in Hunan province from 1906 to 1928. The illustrations (including 12 full-color plates) by Hong Kong-based artist Lo Koon-chiu practically leap off the page. This is a great read for all ages. Originally published in Japan in 1962 (CHN93, $23.95)
A Field Guide to the Birds of China  •  John MacKinnon  •  Karen Phillipps FIELD GUIDE •  2000 •  PAPER  • 586 PAGES A comprehensive field guide to the birds of China, featuring 128 color plates illustrating 1,300 species of birds, with introductory chapters on the history of ornithology in China, biogeography and conservation. Range maps are organized on adjacent pages to the illustrations. The book also includes a list of endemic, threatened and endangered species. Principal author John MacKinnon has also written "Wild China", "A Photoguide to the Birds of China" and "A Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, and Bali." (CHN85, $116.25)
Five T'ang Poets  •  David Young LITERATURE •  1990 •  PAPER A collection of T-ang poetry, chosen, edited and translated by David Young, by Li Shang-yin, Wang Wei, Li Po, Tu Fu and Li Ho. (CHN157, $14.95)
Flashman and the Dragon  •  George MacDonald Fraser LITERATURE •  1995 •  PAPER  • 320 PAGES The eighth entry in Fraser's popular series of 19th-century adventures starring Harry Flashman, the womanizing rogue and international troublemaker. This book, set in 1860s China, is rich in historical detail -- and comedy. Fraser helpfully includes maps of Shanghai and the Yangtse, Peking, Canton and Macau, all of which feature prominently in the text. Our reluctant hero is hoodwinked into joining the Teiping Rebellion, participates in the Seige of Nanking and ends up as a plaything of the Dowager Empress at the Summer Palace. (CHN116, $15.00)
Fodor's Beijing and Shanghai  •  Emmanuelle Morgen  •  Deborah Kaufman GUIDEBOOK •  2005 •  PAPER  • 251 PAGES A practical, frequently revised guide to Beijing and Shanghai featuring hundreds of annotated listings of where to eat, stay and shop. (CHN253, $17.95)
Fodor's Beijing's 25 Best  •  Fodors GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER  • 96 PAGES This slim book includes a separate full-color map of the center of Beijing, along with a handy 96-page shirt-pocket guide with essential information on its highlights, including restaurant recommendations and sightseeing. (CHN48, $11.95)
Fodor's Exploring China  •  Christopher Knowles GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES This excellent series has done it again with a stylish guidebook laced with maps and color photos that brings to life old and contemporary China. With separate sections on suggested places to visit, recommended walks, practical information including travel facts, the basics of communications, climate, money, electricity, photography, and transportation, descriptions of restaurants and hotels, ratings of sights, a language guide with Chinese phrases and numbers, a chronology of dynasties and historic events, even a small section on traditional arts and crafts, and chapters on the Silk Road, Beijing, and Xi'an, this is a complete and handy reference for any trip to China. (CHN25, $22.00)
Fodor's Hong Kong's 25 Best  •  Fodor's GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER  • 96 PAGES A shirt-pocket guide to Hong Kong, this slim book includes an excellent map of the center of the city and essential information on its highlights, including restaurant recommendations and sightseeing -- all in a slipcover. (HKG09, $11.95)
The Forbidden City, Center of Imperial China  •  Gilles Beguin  •  Dominique Morel HISTORY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES This slim volume is packed with maps, archival photographs and illustrations. A surprisingly effective overview of Beijing's Imperial Court, with a useful chronology, and a carefully chosen selection of writings over the ages. Part of the acclaimed "Discoveries" series of references that fit in your pocket, for travelers it's an indispensable and handy guide to the Forbidden City and the history of Imperial China. (CHN32, $12.95)
A Fortune-Teller Told Me, Earthbound Travels in the Far East  •  Tizanio Terzani TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 371 PAGES Grounded for a year, the peripatetic journalist (Italian-born, writing in German, and based in India) sets off by any other means to complete his rounds through Laos, Cambodia, Burma, Thailand, Mongolia, China, Japan and other far-flung destinations. The result is this warm, anecdotal account of the character of the region. It's got to be the book most recommended to us on contemporary Asia. (SEA35, $14.95)
Frommer's China  •  Peter Neville-Hadley GUIDEBOOK •  2008 •  PAPER  • 843 PAGES A comprehensive, practical guide in the popular series, focusing on attractions, restaurants and accommodations. An excellent planning tool, it also features useful language and menu guides. (CHN207, $24.99)
Frommer's Shanghai  •  J.D. Brown GUIDEBOOK •  2006 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES A practical guide in the popular series, strong on where to eat, sleep and shop. (CHN220, $17.99)
Frontiers of Heaven, A Journey to the End of China  •  Stanley Stewart TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2006 •  PAPER  • 232 PAGES A British journalist with wanderlust and a way with the pen, Stewart recounts his rough journey halfway across Asia from Shanghai to Xinjiang along the Great Wall. He mixes descriptions of his travels and encounters with history, geography and wit. Winner of the 1996 Thomas Cook Travel Book Award. (CHN237, $14.95)
Fruitful Sites, Garden Culture in Ming Dynasty China  •  Craig Clunas HISTORY •  1996 •  PAPER  • 240 PAGES This book will appeal to serious students of garden history and landscape art. Written by an art historian who teaches at the University of Sussex, it's a study of Ming-era (1450-1650) gardens in the Jiangnan Valley of the Yangtze, especially in wealthy Suzhou and to a lesser extent in Hangzhou. With 48 illustrations. (CHN175, $24.95)
Gardens in China  •  Peter Valder NATURAL HISTORY •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 400 PAGES A gorgeous book featuring over 500 color photographs of Chinese gardens in 11 provinces. The Australian horticulturalist Peter Valder first traveled to China in 1980, his imagination fired by 19th-century plant hunters' accounts of adventure. He discusses gardening in Yunnan, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Henan, Shandong, Hebei, Liaoning, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, as well as on Hainan island. (CHN176, $59.95)
The Gate of Heavenly Peace, The Chinese and Their Revolution 1895-1980  •  Jonathan Spence HISTORY •  1982 •  PAPER  • 516 PAGES Jonathan Spence, a prolific scholar of Chinese history at Yale, delivers a portrait of Chinese revolution, combining straightforward political history with an intriguing selection of materials by poets, artists and intellectuals. With notes, bibliography and index. (CHN195, $18.00)
The Genius of China: 3,000 Years of Science, Discovery, and Invention  •  Robert Temple  •  Joseph Needham HISTORY •  2007 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES An abridged popular edition of Needham's original, monumental Science & Civilization in China, organized by invention and illustrated throughout with color photographs, diagrams and drawings. (CHN82, $29.95)
Giant Pandas in the Wild, Saving an Endangered Species  •  Lu Zhi NATURAL HISTORY •  2002 •  HARD COVER  • 128 PAGES In this important new book, Dr. Lu Zhi offers an indepth portrait of the giant panda and international conservation efforts to protect the panda and its habitat in China. A researcher since 1985 and former coordinator of WWF's panda program in China, Dr. Zhi chronicles the social lives and population dynamics of 20 individuals in a number of reserves, both in text and photographs. With a foreword by Claude Martin, Director General of WWF-International, and excellent color photos by George Schaller and Lu Zhi. (CHN173, $35.00)
The Ginger Tree  •  Oswald Wynd LITERATURE •  2002 •  PAPER  • 336 PAGES The best-known work of the Japanese-born Scot Oswald Wynd (1918 -1998), in which a naïve 20-year-old Scots girl at the turn of the century sails to China to marry a military attache in Peking … only to get mixed up with a handsome young Japanese aristocrat and horrify the British community. The novel, which was the basis for a popular Masterpiece Theatre miniseries, follows Mary MacKenzie's adventures with love and life in early 20th Century China and Japan. Originally published in 1977. (JPN125, $12.95)
The Girl Who Played Go  •  Shan Sa  •  Adriana Hunter LITERATURE •  2004 •  PAPER  • 320 PAGES An accomplished novel set in a Manchurian city in the war-torn 1930s, where a spirited 16-year-old Chinese girl and a young Japanese soldier find peace in a game of Go. Winner of the 2004 Kiriyama Prize, the novel captures the turmoil of the changing fortunes and war in the region. Sa Shan, who was born in Beijing, has lived in France since 1990. This is her first novel to be translated into English. (CHN214, $13.95)
God Lives in St. Petersburg, and Other Stories  •  Tom Bissell LITERATURE •  2006 •  PAPER  • 212 PAGES Bissell (Chasing the Sea) returns to his years in Central Asia as a Peace Corps volunteer in these sharp, witty fictionalized accounts. His six fast-paced tales are set in Kazakhstan, Afghanistan and the Aral Sea. (CAS117, $13.95)
God's Chinese Son: The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom of Hong Xiuquan  •  Jonathan Spence HISTORY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 430 PAGES (CHN178, $17.95)
The Golden Days  •  Cao Xueqin  •  David Hawkes LITERATURE •  1974 •  PAPER  • 544 PAGES Volume One of The Dream of the Red Chamber, an epic family tale first published in 1793, (still one of China's favorite novels) beautifully translated, edited and with an introduction by David Hawkes. The Golden Days is the first book in a five-volume masterpiece which follows the fate of the Jia family and the magical stone of the title. It's an absorbing romantic tale, often called the greatest of Chinese novels, as interesting for its commentary on culture, aethestics, religion and world view as for the story. (CHN223, $16.00)
The Good Earth  •  Pearl Buck LITERATURE •  1994 •  PAPER  • 379 PAGES The second of Buck's more than 70 books, The Good Earth has shaped American attitudes toward China and its people for many years. A modern classic presented in this edition with critical notes and a long introduction, it won her the Pulitzer Prize upon its publication in 1931. Drawing heavily on her personal experience as a young newlywed in rural China, it is the plainly told story of a poor farmer and his stalwart wife. The book captures the daily life of China's poorest people, very different from the usual exotica that most writers of her day were producing on the "inscrutable Chinese." (CHN15, $15.00)
The Good Women of China, Hidden Voices  •  Xinran Xue CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2003 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES An oral history of women and their experiences in modern China, drawn from hundreds of anonymous voices heard on a popular radio call-in show. (CHN256, $13.95)
Governing China, From Revolution Through Reform  •  Kenneth Lieberthal HISTORY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 461 PAGES A scholarly political history of China in the 20th century, detailed and informative. (CHN112, $28.50)
The Great Railway Bazaar, By Train through Asia  •  Paul Theroux TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  2006 •  PAPER  • 384 PAGES Theroux's vintage 1970s journeys across Asia by Train, displaying all his talent for portraiture, ego and the dismissive aside. It's great fun. He takes every two-bit train he can find from London across Europe, Turkey and the Middle East, India, Japan and China, returning home via the Trans-Siberian Express. (ASA40, $14.95)
The Great Wall  •  William Lindesay HISTORY •  2004 •  HARD COVER  • 120 PAGES A brief history of the Great Wall, with 40 black-and-white and 19 color illustrations, in the Images of Asia series by Oxford Univesity Press. William Lindesay is director of the International Friends of the Great Wall. (CHN251, $24.95)
The Great Wall of China  •  Leonard Everett Fisher HISTORY •  1995 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) In brief text and bold black-and-white illustrations, this storybook recounts the construction of the Great Wall of China. The simple story is probably best suited for young children (ages 4-8), but kids as old as 12 will want to pore over the illustrations, which are great. (CHN103, $7.99)
The Great Wall of China from History to Myth  •  Arthur Waldron HISTORY •  2002 •  PAPER  • 314 PAGES In this classic scholarly history, Waldron debunks the myth of the wall as an ancient -- and impregnable -- barrier. Waldron focuses on the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when much of the defensive structure was conceived and built. He looks too at the reality of Ming-Mongol relations.With maps and black-and-white photographs. (CHN130, $31.99)
A History of Chinese Civilization  •  Jacques Gernet HISTORY •  1996 •  PAPER  • 780 PAGES An informed and scholarly cultural history of China from ancient times, updated for this second edition. Translated from the French by Translated by J. R. Foster and Charles Hartman. (CHN211, $37.99)
Homesick, My Own Story  •  Jean Fritz BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  1999 •  PAPER  • 163 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A memoir of growing up in turbulent 1920s China, where the author's father was director of the YMCA. It's a candid, wonderfully written account of the country, told from a little girl's perspective. A Newbery Honor book, suitable for ages 9 to 12. (CHN141, $5.99)
Hong Kong Map  •  Borch Maps MAP A laminated, folding map of Hong Kong, at a scale of 1:14,000. (HKG15, $6.95)
House of Sixty Fathers  •  Meindert De Jong  •  Maurice Sendak LITERATURE •  1987 •  PAPER  • 189 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) This classic children's novel is set in China during the Japanese invasion as a young boy makes a journey to reunite with his family. It's a plucky, humane tale that commemorates a terrible episode in Chinese history. A Newbery Honor Book, illustrated by Maurice Sendak and written for kids ages 9-12. (CHN119, $5.95)
Hungry Ghosts, Mao's Secret Famine  •  Jasper Becker HISTORY •  1998 •  PAPER  • 352 PAGES After digging through academic studies and incorporating survivor accounts, Jaspar Becker has produced the definitive work on the devastating famine that overtook China in the 1950s and 1960s. Brought about by the Mao's attempt to redistribute food, this mass starvation caused the death of tens of millions. (CHN99, $19.00)
The Importance of Living  •  Lin Yutang RELIGION •  1998 •  PAPER  • 462 PAGES Lin Yutang uses ancient Chinese texts to illustrate his path to a satisfying life, which he believes can be found through relaxation, friendship and the simple enjoyment of everyday existence. It's an optimistic book, full of short proverbs, anecdotes and witty asides on the enjoyment of travel, nature, culture and other aspects of human existence. Originally published in 1937. (CHN121, $16.95)
In the Land of the Blue Poppies, The Collected Plant Hunting Writings of Frank Kingdon-Ward  •  Frank Kingdon-Ward  •  Tom Christopher  •  Jamaica Kincaid ANTHOLOGY •  2003 •  PAPER  • 242 PAGES An anthology of the plant hunting adventures of the intrepid Frank Kingdon-Ward (1885-1958) as presented by Tom Christopher. The collection communicates all Kingdon-Ward's excitement of discovery at the turn of the century in Tibet, China, Burma and Southeast Asia. A geographical explorer as well as horticulturist, Kingdon Ward writes of the people, landscapes and experiences trekking in the Himalayas. (ASA35, $19.00)
In the Red: On Contemporary Chinese Culture  •  Geremie R. Barme CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  2000 •  PAPER  • 512 PAGES Focusing on the years since the 1989 Tiananmen protest, Barme examines the dialectic between official culture produced by the Chinese government and the popular "unofficial" culture and counterculture of the urban population. (CHN88, $31.50)
The Inner Chapters  •  Chuang Tzu  •  A. C. Graham LITERATURE •  2001 •  PAPER  • 304 PAGES The oldest pieces of Taoist writing, by one of its greatest philosophers, Chuang Tzu. From the fourth-century B. C. (CHN244, $14.95)
Insight Guide China  •  Manfred Morganstern GUIDEBOOK •  2008 •  PAPER  • 411 PAGES In its hallmark style, this Insight Guide combines short essays on the history, politics and culture of China with hundreds of color photographs. It's a short whirlwind introduction to the country. The book begins with a brief history of the Middle Kingdom, then ventures out into the countryside and through the halls of the Forbidden City. The second half presents each region of China with pages on each of the major sites, then concludes with some practical travel information and listings. (CHN05, $24.95)
Insight Guide East Asia: China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan  •  Insight Guides GUIDEBOOK •  2001 •  PAPER  • 412 PAGES An illustrated guide to the history, culture and traditions of China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan featuring 250 color photographs and 16 maps. (ASA27, $24.95)
Insight Guide Shanghai  •  Insight Guides GUIDEBOOK •  2003 •  PAPER  • 328 PAGES This well-illustrated guide in the popular series features essays on culture and history, excellent local maps and good information on attractions. (CHN219, $23.95)
Insight Pocket Guide Beijing  •  Insight Guides GUIDEBOOK •  2005 •  PAPER  • 92 PAGES This convenient, slim volume features color photographs, many maps (including a handy fold-out map of the city), good short descriptions of major points of interest, and other practical information. (CHN26, $13.95)
Into the Teeth of the Tiger  •  Donald S. Lopez Jr. HISTORY •  1997 •  PAPER  • 272 PAGES The lively, illustrated memoirs of a World War II pilot in Asia. (ASA39, $17.95)
Iron and Silk  •  Mark Salzman TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  1990 •  PAPER  • 211 PAGES Salzman gets himself to Changsha in the mid-1980s on the pretext of teaching English to Chinese doctors. His real mission, however, is to become a kung fu master. In this wonderfully readable travelogue he conveys a sense of contemporary life, its realities and frustrations -- and of his growing understanding of an alien culture. A major subplot is his ongoing relationship with Pan, the mentor to this awkward and overly enthusiastic American martial arts student. (CHN52, $13.95)
K: The Art of Love  •  Hong Ying BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2002 •  PAPER  • 262 PAGES A story of the true-life love affair between Virginia Woolf's nephew Julian Bell and famed Chinese woman writer Ling Shuhua. Ying uses truth of fiction and truth of fact to portray this tragic tale of love and desire in 1930s Beijing. In 2003, Ling Shuhua's daughter brought suit against Ying for "defaming the dead" and, sadly, K has been banned in China. This is the first time in China that anyone has had to pay compensation for crimes committed in a book. (CHN260, $14.95)
Kowloon Tong, A Novel of Hong Kong  •  Paul Theroux LITERATURE •  1998 •  PAPER  • 248 PAGES Betty Mullard, representing the old guard in Hong Kong, receives an offer from Mr. Hung on his family business. With its strong sense of place and contemporary setting in Hong Kong at a time of transition, this fast-paced novel is an illuminating and imaginative look at the city. (HKG12, $13.95)
Last Chance to See  •  Douglas Adams  •  Mark Carwardine NATURAL HISTORY •  1992 •  PAPER  • 222 PAGES A whirlwind visit to remote habitats around the world by two wonderfully entertaining traveling companions. Sponsored by BBC radio, Douglas Adams and Mark Cowardine traveled to Zaire, New Zealand, China, Mauritius and other far-flung places in search of endangered animals. Often hilarious, this book is also a portrait of threatened animals. This is such a wonderfully entertaining and informed book, we can forgive its focus on charismatic species. Adams is the author of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." Cawardine, a biologist, has been a staff zoologist for World Wildlife Fund. (CON04, $14.95)
The Last Emperor  •  Bernardo Bertolucci 1987 •  DVD Bernardo Bertolucci's rendering of the true story of Aisin-Gioro Pu Yi, the last emperor of China's Ching Dynasty. Told in flashback, the film begins at Pu Yi's involuntary initiation as emperor in 1908 at age three, and continues through his entire reign in the Forbidden City until his death in 1967. Pu Yi witnesses the dynamic changes of the modernizing empire, experiences the temptations of ultimate power, and is seduced by the Western lifestyle of his Scottish tutor (Peter O'Toole). The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. (CHN225, $14.98)
The Last Panda  •  George Schaller NATURAL HISTORY •  1993 •  PAPER  • 291 PAGES The great naturalist George Schaller spent almost 5 years in the wild in Sichuan province studying the panda in the 1980s. This book is both his description of the great panda in nature, and an eloquent plea for how to save the species in the wild. With 16 color plates. (CHN24, $15.00)
Legacies, A Chinese Mosaic  •  Betty Bao Lord HISTORY •  1991 •  PAPER  • 242 PAGES A memoir of contemporary China, especially interesting for its critical perspective on Chinese society and culture during the "China Spring" of 1989. Bao incorporates interviews and testimonies of friends and colleagues in her narrative. Dedicated "For The Chinese People," the novelist author born in China (who also wrote Spring Moon) is unstinting in her criticism of Chinese policies and practices. Wife of a former American ambassador to China, the author now lives in the United States. (CHN84, $19.00)
Letters to Henrietta  •  Lisa Chubbuck  •  Isabella Bird BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2003 •  PAPER  • 356 PAGES This eye-opening collection of letters back home, nicely selected by Lisa Chubbuck with an intrridction and notes, reveals the tenacity, self-promotion and verve of the Victorian maiden aunt of modern travel writers. An unlikely candidate for adventure, Bird's ill health propelled her to the Colorado Rockies, Hawaii, China, and Japan -- and into the confidence of Queen Victoria, the King of Hawaii, and William Gladstone. She also carried on with a one-eyed trapper and fended off many other more suitable suitors. That's quite a transformation for a middle-aged spinster from the Isle of Mull. Travel does a person good. With 32 illustrations, maps, notes, and bibliography. In two parts: The first world tour, 1872-3 (the sea Australia, Hawaii, Colorado); The second world tour, 1878-9 (Japan and the way thither, China, Malay Peninsula). (WLD39, $22.95)
Life and Death in Shanghai  •  Nien Cheng HISTORY •  1988 •  PAPER  • 547 PAGES Ultimately an inspiring tale of strength of character and determination, this powerful book is a plainly told account of the horrors that took place during the Cultural Revolution in Shanghai. The author was a political prisoner for six years. (CHN42, $16.00)
Little Green, Growing Up During the Chinese Cultural Revolution  •  Chun Yu BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2005 •  HARD COVER  • 128 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) A poetic reflection on China's Cultural Revolution told from a child's perspective. It's a good introduction to China's recent history for young adults or mature middle readers. Helpfully, the author includes an epilogue that puts her family story in historical context along with small family photographs. (CHN239, $15.95)
Living With China  •  Ezra F. Vogel CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1997 •  PAPER  • 336 PAGES A scholarly examination of the major policy issues facing US engagement with China. (CHN160, $18.00)
Lon Po Po, A Red-Riding Hood Story from China  •  Ed Young LITERATURE •  1996 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) This powerfully illustrated Chinese variant on the story of Red Riding Hood features three sisters who outsmart Lon Po Po, or Granny Wolf, who is disguised as the girls' grandmother. Resembling the look of Chinese decorative panels, Young's outstanding watercolor and pastel illustrations cleverly convey the terror of this favorite folktale. Winner of the 1990 Caldecott medal. For readers ages 5-9. (CHN102, $6.99)
Lonely Planet Beijing  •  Damian Harper GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER  • 242 PAGES In its hallmark style, this practical guide to Beijing by Lonely Planet features maps, an overview of culture, history and nature, and a good deal of nuts-and-bolts information on excursions, accommodations and sightseeing. There's even a section on the locally spoken dialect of Mandarin. With color photographs and excellent travel information. (CHN47, $18.99)
Lonely Planet Cantonese Phrasebook  •  Kam Y. Lau LANGUAGE & PHRASEBOOKS •  2005 •  PAPER  • 256 PAGES A handy, palm-sized guide to pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler in Hong Kong or Southern China. (HKG19, $8.99)
Lonely Planet Hong Kong & Macau City Guide  •  Nicko Goncharoff  •  Damian Harper GUIDEBOOK •  2008 •  PAPER  • 272 PAGES A practical, comprehensive guide to Hong Kong, with maps, a Chinese language section and plenty of information on excursions, accommodations and sightseeing. Written for independent travelers. (HKG14, $19.99)
Lonely Planet Shanghai  •  Bradley Mayhew GUIDEBOOK •  2006 •  PAPER  • 258 PAGES A practical guide to Shanghai featuring maps and detailed information on excursions, accommodations and sightseeing. With a few color photographs and excellent travel information. (CHN91, $19.99)
Lonely Planet Taiwan  •  Andrew Bender GUIDEBOOK •  2007 •  PAPER A travel guide to Taipei and Taiwan noteworthy for its attention to practical detail on food, accommodations and excursions. (CHN67, $25.99)
Look What Came From China!  •  Miles Harvey CULTURAL PORTRAIT •  1999 •  PAPER  • 32 PAGES • YOUNG READERS (Age 4-8) A slim guide to China, its products, animals, food, tools, crafts and inventions, with color photographs and accompanying text. For children ages 4-8. (CHN155, $6.95)
Looking for Chengdu, A Woman's Adventure in China  •  Hill Gates TRAVEL NARRATIVE •  1999 •  PAPER  • 272 PAGES Anthropologist Hill Gates sets off on a series of excursions through the inland province of Sichuan in search of a deeper understanding of the Chinese people. A feminist, Gates is especially curious to learn how the economic boom has effected the women of Sichuan, which was the birthplace of Chinese economic reforms in the 1970s. Along the countryside she meets scholars, sailors, patrons of a Tibetan dance-hall and women running family firms. It's a travelogue rich in anecdotes and perceptive observations of contemporary China. (CHN74, $23.95)
The Lost Camels of Tartary  •  John Hare EXPLORATION •  2000 •  PAPER  • 239 PAGES A vivid account of three expeditions on the heels of the migrating Bactrian camel through the deserts of Xinjiang and Mongolia. An engaging writer and adventurer with a sense of humor, the author includes vivid portraits of the people he encounters along the way (including George Schaller who accompanied him on the first expedition). Among the many discoveries of the quest, Hare found Lou Lan, an abandoned city of the Silk Road described by Sven Hedin in 1900. He also helped convince the Chinese government to set aside part of this remote region as a reserve for the camel. (CAS67, $14.99)
Making Out in Chinese  •  Ray Daniels LANGUAGE & PHRASEBOOKS •  1993 •  PAPER A phonetic (and funny) guide to getting along in Chinese. (CHN206, $8.95)
Man's Fate  •  Andre Malraux LITERATURE •  1990 •  PAPER  • 356 PAGES A suspenseful, psychologically complex novel set during the early days of the Chinese revolution and inspired by actual events. First published in 1934. (CHN188, $14.95)
Mao Zedong  •  Jonathan Spence BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2006 •  PAPER  • 192 PAGES A masterful short biography in the "Penguin Lives" series, this text by Chinese historian Jonathan Spence tracks the life of the enigmatic Chinese ruler from his provincial upbringing to his powerful reign. Spence incorporates much new information in this portrait. (CHN66, $13.00)
Mao's China and After, A History of the People's Republic  •  Maurice Meisner HISTORY •  1999 •  PAPER  • 587 PAGES A popular text, now in its third edition. Meisner, a professor of history at the University of Wisconsin, is a fair-minded, insightful -- and lucid -- guide to the tumultuous history of China since the Chinese Communists came to power in 1949. (CHN165, $19.95)
Mao, A Life  •  Philip Short BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  2001 •  PAPER  • 782 PAGES A richly detailed, leisurely and long biography of Mao, well researched and written, by a veteran foreign correspondent who worked in China in the 1870s and 1980s. The author considers both Mao's political and personal life (or what can be known or speculated about it). If you have an appetite for biography, you can't go wrong with this balanced, pleasurable book. (CHN110, $25.00)
Mao: A Biography  •  Ross Terrill BIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR •  1999 •  PAPER  • 571 PAGES A no-holds-barred biography of the Chinese leader and his times -- well written, scholarly and authoritative. Terrill, a sinophile, combines journalism, history and anecdote to create a lively portrait of the man and his country. Originally published in 1980 and revised for this edition, the book has sold more than a million copies in China. Terrill is also the author of Madame Mao: The White-Boned Demon." (CHN51, $31.95)
Marco Polo and the Discovery of the World  •  John Larner EXPLORATION •  2001 •  PAPER  • 288 PAGES A scholarly, insightful study of Marco Polo's famous travel account -- and its impact on European ideas and politics, particularly its influence on cartographers and explorers. The author looks too at the circumstances of Marco Polo's life and travels, arguing that Marco Polo really did visit China -- and that he must have had a highly talented co-author in Rustichello da Pisa. (EXP22, $19.00)
Marco Polo for Kids, His Marvelous Journey to China  •  Janis Herbert HISTORY •  2001 •  PAPER  • 144 PAGES • MIDDLE READERS (Age 9-12) This is a great activity book introducing kids to the cultures and terrain of Central Asia. Following "The Travels" from Venice to China, we meet the nomadic peoples of the steppes, learn Persian and ancient Mongol, practice qigong and yoga and much more. With 21 activities, a well-written narrative and nice archival illustrations, it's a great book for kids ages 9-12. (CHN189, $16.95)
The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci  •  Jonathan Spence HISTORY •  1994 •  PAPER  • 368 PAGES A brilliant piece of historical scholarship by the Yale historian and Sinologist Jonathan Spence. The book is like a "portrait of the age," revealing fascinating connections between Eastern and Western history and thought via a life of Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci (1552-1616), one of the early Catholic missionaries to China and a theorist on the art of memory. (CHN262, $16.00)
Monkey, A Journey to the West  •  David Kherdian LITERATURE •