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)