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China: Ancient Culture, Modern Society
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January 15, 2020
Chinese culture and history is among the most deep, and layered, of any in the world. The condensed format of this helpful guide enables its readers to glean a critical understanding of the DNA of a country that can feel daunting to those outside of it - and perhaps even to those within! The book gives the essentials on history and culture in thorough yet brief, topical chapters - ranging from “calligraphy” to “China’s future” – that are easy to consecutively read, or reference in isolation, for anyone regularly interacting with Chinese culture and people.
This reader, who lived for seven years in Shanghai, wishes she had come across this resource earlier, as it gives the background and basis for many of the cultural manifestations – some beautiful, some very broken- I witnessed firsthand. (It also gave me a recommendation for my next book, convincing me that I finally need to give Confucius’ “Analects” a full read as one of the most influential writings ever to shape Chinese thinking and living.)
Readers will find the book has a slight Christian undertone, and that it might benefit from an updated edition, as in the last ten years since its publication have brought significant political and economic changes to China. However, some such changes are even predicted in its final chapters by the knowledgeable and nuanced authors, Yu and Doyle, whose obvious respect for China, in all its glory and complexity, shines through.
Do yourself – and any Chinese people whom you may know and interact with – a favor and add this volume to your collection of accessible and informative books on an important player in world history and culture!
This reader, who lived for seven years in Shanghai, wishes she had come across this resource earlier, as it gives the background and basis for many of the cultural manifestations – some beautiful, some very broken- I witnessed firsthand. (It also gave me a recommendation for my next book, convincing me that I finally need to give Confucius’ “Analects” a full read as one of the most influential writings ever to shape Chinese thinking and living.)
Readers will find the book has a slight Christian undertone, and that it might benefit from an updated edition, as in the last ten years since its publication have brought significant political and economic changes to China. However, some such changes are even predicted in its final chapters by the knowledgeable and nuanced authors, Yu and Doyle, whose obvious respect for China, in all its glory and complexity, shines through.
Do yourself – and any Chinese people whom you may know and interact with – a favor and add this volume to your collection of accessible and informative books on an important player in world history and culture!
Displaying 1 of 1 review