China: Land of Dragons and Emperors [NOOK Book]

( 11 )

Overview

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 ...
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China: Land of Dragons and Emperors

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More About This Book

Overview

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.


From the Hardcover edition.
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Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Mah (Chinese Cinderella) brings East to West in this concise, reader-friendly history of China that contains more than 80 photographs of famous figures and artifacts. Spanning 2,000 years of strife and victories, the book mainly focuses on China's six dynasties, which are introduced in chronological order and are followed by brief portraits of post-dynasty leaders. Straightforward narrative sheds light on the rise and fall of each empire, defining leaders' accomplishments as well as their acts of tyranny. Of Qin Shi-huang, China's first emperor, Mah states: "Hard-working and disciplined, he read 55 kilograms (120 pounds) of reports written on bamboo slips every day." (And because he wanted Chinese history to begin with his rule: "He ordered all books written before him to be burned. Any scholar who dared to object was buried alive.") Brief sections that explain Chinese attitudes, superstitions, inventions (including gun powder, porcelain and paper) and even the role of palace eunuchs are both entertaining and enlightening. Complete with maps, a time line, index and extensive bibliography, this accessible work will be an invaluable resource for students and young history buffs. Ages 12-up. (June)

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
School Library Journal
Gr 6 Up—Novel-sized, and with a novel's worth of action, romance, betrayal, and irony, this immensely readable account of the entirety of Chinese history is sure to captivate readers. The chapters are broken into one- or two-page sections, with many brief sidebars, making the book accessible and unintimidating. Plentiful illustrations—photographs as well as reproductions—enliven nearly every page. Mah writes in a personal, friendly tone, at one point warning readers to "jump two paragraphs if you don't like violence." Clearly, she is telling stories that she knows well, and she doesn't skimp on the details, which can be gory, tragic, slightly saucy, or merely entertaining. Well-labeled, good-sized maps are provided on a regular basis, as are metric and English measurements and currency conversion where appropriate. This is an authoritative and entertaining account of the plucky orphans, egotistical monarchs, raving beauties, and scheming empresses who made China what it is today.—Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD
Kirkus Reviews
In this sweeping overview of more than 2,000 years of history, Mah offers a rich, eclectic survey of Chinese cultural and spiritual traditions, art and architecture, history, language, mythology, politics and technology. The author makes clear in her introduction that the events and individuals she profiles are ones she finds personally fascinating, and her enthusiasm for the subject matter is evident. The account chronicles the six imperial dynasties that ruled China until the early 20th century, including interesting anecdotes about court intrigues and the role of eunuchs. When profiling important historical figures, she includes curious intimate details, such as Mao Zedong's disgusting personal-hygiene habits, that make the book livelier and more engaging than the average informational book. Abundantly illustrated with art, artifacts, maps and photographs, the text uses inserts and sidebars to expand on facts addressed in the main narrative. This accessible, entertaining introduction to Chinese culture and history is likely to inspire readers to dig deeper into the subjects that pique their interest. (timeline, suggestions for further reading, index) (Nonfiction. 12 & up)
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780375890994
  • Publisher: Random House Children's Books
  • Publication date: 6/9/2009
  • Sold by: Random House
  • Format: eBook
  • Pages: 256
  • Sales rank: 222,669
  • Age range: 12 years
  • File size: 15 MB
  • Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

Meet the Author

Adeline Yen Mah divides her time between Los Angeles, London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. You can visit her at adelineyenmah.com.


From the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 11 )
Rating Distribution

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(6)

4 Star

(4)

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Sort by: Showing 1 – 10 of 11 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 25, 2013

    Chey to bree

    Thanks

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted February 23, 2013

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 24, 2012

    Wow!

    I only read the sample and this book is amazing!

    I am definitly going to make the purchase.

    I learned so much about China and l cannot wait to read more!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 1, 2012

    Rere

    Looooovvveeedddd it!

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  • Posted January 9, 2012

    Simple and easy way to learn China's history!

    It is brief but full of information and I liked the way she wrote it, it was not boring but interesting. Nice approach!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted January 16, 2010

    Great for those wanting to read about Chinese culture!

    I've always been a fan of Mah's writing. This a a well written short and concise version of Chinese history and culture. Great for those that would love to learn about the beauty and wonders, and greatness of the Chinese culture---it talks about myth, historical findings, inventions and discoveries, and most of all---what makes the Chinese people and country. Easy to read and very complete.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted September 20, 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 22, 2012

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 4, 2011

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 16, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

Sort by: Showing 1 – 10 of 11 Customer Reviews
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