This highly readable history of the worlds most populous country dates from the late nineteenth century; when its author; John Henry Gray; served as the Archdeacon of Hong Kong. His two-volume study; here bound into a single volume; begins with the earliest known legends of China as the "Middle Kingdom;" around which all lesser states gathered like satellites; and ranges forward to an intriguing series of portraits of the authors Chinese contemporaries.Subjects include the functions and powers of government; prisons and forms of punishment; religion; gods; and goddesses; and Confucian philosophy; marriage and divorce; the roles of servants and slaves; festivals; amusements; and sports; funerals; astrology and fortune-telling; and benevolent institutions. Commercial activities mdash; agricultural techniques; tea and silk production; and maritime pursuits mdash; also receive detailed and informative treatments.Evocative illustrations include images of fireworks and flying kits; opium smokers and Buddhist nuns; traditional fishing techniques; and numerous other scenes from daily life. Of immense value to Sinologists and historians; this insightful volume will appeal to anyone interested in China and Far Eastern cultures.
#4583070 in eBooks 2013-10-16 2013-10-16File Name: B00EWOLDHY
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy Love to readThe book had some bad language which I was unhappy with since this book is about Mr. Rogers.7 of 11 people found the following review helpful. fantasticBy Yakovi found this book remaindered for a very low price; but it is totally worth the full list price. a respectful; intelligent look at the great man Fred Rogers and his TV show that isnt even a TV show; really... varying points of views. the essayists only occasionally become too weirdly academic or navel-gazing. i like the production values on this hardcover; too -- its fully cloth-covered with a full cloth; smythe-sewn binding; acid free paper; and neat endpapers. the back cover photo rules; too. 2003 May 3rd is the Mr Rogers memorial ceremony in downtown pittsburgh -- go!23 of 39 people found the following review helpful. One of the greatest 20th century entertainersBy Robin OrlowskiIn 2003; Fred "Mister" Rogers departed this world after a lifetime of public service to all children.In a day when many people from all points on the political spectrum had eagerly reduced `compassion; `equality and `pro-child to catchy; but ultimately divisive and meaningless words; he continued to bring out the best in everybody.He is one of the few people in this world deserving of all his awards/honors and then much more.As evidence of his timeless appeal; I never tired of watching his namesake PBS childrens show. Even when I was much older (and out of the intended demographic service range); I loved the truly nurturing environment regularly brough into my living room. Well before I realized my parents were not getting along (eventually divorcing); Mr. Rogers "told" me via daily broadcast that good families come in all structures; and the family format is subsequently less important than how the individual members treat eachother and themselves. When my parents finally did divorce in high school; I had been so helped by Rogers work; I immediately flashed back to his reassuring songs.That the sets were decidedly showing their age in places by the late 1980s; and the cast themselves featured in some segments had died mattered much less than their overall mission of helping ALL kids navigate an often unforgiving world in uplifting and supportive tones.The mostly male ensemble cast of the neighborhood (although this changed in latter seasons) was not problematic in the long-run for this feminist; because it suggested an alternate male sexuality that was built on empathy and peace as opposed to macho swaggering. It was okay for men of all ages to cry; hug and freely embrace a side of themselves that Western culture remains fixated on suppresing.At a different developmental stage in the human life-span; kids were smart; and did not deserve the condescending behavior so many other adults (including those on `educational/childrens programming) spew at us in the pursuit of ratings and the almighty American dollar.Unlike PBSs other "flagship" childrens program; Sesame Street (now famous for abandoning the original-audience at-risk urban kids to focus on the offspring of suburban yuppies); Mr. Rogers always remembered his audience; and never sold out or let us down.Even when growing partisan political battles and budget cuts provided powerful incentive to follow suit; he made sure principles were more than abstract words. All children had an inalienable right to be treated with respect and dignity.From tackling such edgy subjects as the RFK Assassination to hostages and war; Mr. Rogers always both captured and nurtured his audiences imagination. Talking things out wasnt necessarily high-tech or flashy; but it was unbelievably better when compared to letting personal feelings bottle up inside.Adding to the quality; Rogers was scrupulous about not parading his religious affiliations (licensed minister in the Presbyterian Church) as the reason his advice should be taken.For my generation with the unfortunate timing to grow up with the beginnings of a markedly aggressive televangelist craze; his conduct provided a welcome alternative to the less-than-admirable actions of other adults in our world. It was not enough to simply apply religious freedoms to ones self; they belong to every citizen.---including those of differing perspectives and no religious affiliation.Thus; the most constructive educational pedagogy was one that did not continually promote any religion (or the formal absence) but far more civil neutrality.As with so many other people; I never got to personally thank him for the gift; but I know I am using it whenever I think both critically and compassionately about the larger world around me. I also know I am not the only one who remembers him through this type of a tribute; and our collective efforts will produce the best kind of off-screen "neighborhood" possible.The not-so-subtle discounting of this very same instructional idea by self-appointed educational guardians suggests both how far ahead of his time he was and effective Rogers truly remains.RIP Mr. Rogers.