2 comments about Zheng He: China and the Oceans in the Early Ming Dynasty, 1405-1433 (Library of World Biography Series) (Library of World Biography).

1. The table of contents, which I've reproduced at the end of this, gives a good idea of the book's coverage and organization. Dreyer is a professor of history at the University of Miami, where he teaches Asian history, Chinese history, and military history. His previous publications include studies of early Ming political history (based on his 1971 Harvard dissertation) and China's experience of war in the first half of the 20th century.
   
   The author surveys the secondary literature and draws upon some earlier reconstructions which he finds credible and consistent, particularly in the matter of the voyages' itineraries. However, he relies on the primary sources (and a smattering of archeological evidence) in every respect. Indeed, at the end of the book he provides his own critical translations of the key primary sources.
   
   He works through the background and issues in a methodical manner, carefully evaluating the evidence in light of his extensive knowledge of early Ming history. Naturally this does not make exciting beach reading, but Dreyer does a good job of making the exposition clear and straightforward. The glossary provides brief entries for all of the places and people mentioned, in the event one loses track.
   
   The only lapses I could see seem to be in his knowledge of European history, where he repeats a few obsolete views: "[W]hat drew the Western powers into the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia in the first place was the wealth they could gain by controlling the seaborne trade of the region." (p. 8) "[B]roadside firing and line ahead tactics ... only began in European waters almost two centuries after Zheng He." (p. 56) These are minor issues of degree that do not materially affect the value of the book.
   
   One very welcome surprise is Dreyer's judicious and well-informed evaluation of the design of the ships of the Treasure Fleets.
   
   Dreyer does not address the speculations and assertions of Gavin Menzies regarding far-flung voyaging, except to remark dryly on pages 29-30 that they rest on an assumption that exploration was a major purpose of the voyages (an assumption Dreyer demolishes quite thoroughly) and on pages 182-3 that it is very unlikely that the ships could have gotten far along Menzies' track before coming to grief. Surely the Chinese, with their nautical knowledge and skills, would have gone about exploration in a very different manner, had they had the intent.
   
   Throughout, the author is skeptical in the best sense, carefully examining and weighing the evidence on each point, unswayed by preconceptions. This leads him to many conclusions that diverge from those of previous authors, always convincingly. Unless and until new evidence appears (possibly from marine archeology) this is likely to remain the definitive treatment of this interesting and revealing facet of Chinese history.
   
   One of the best services Dreyer performs is to cut through the layers of projection and romance that have been overlaid on these voyages in respect of their purpose, conduct, and consequences. He insists, with strong documentary support, that the purpose was "to enforce outward compliance with the forms of the Chinese tributary system by the show of an overwhelming armed force" [p. 163, and passim] as a means of bolstering the Yongle emperor's political position and perhaps self-esteem. Dreyer scotches the notion that these were voyages of discovery or exploration in the European sense, adventurous though they were in their own terms. He makes clear their astronomical expense and how they contributed to economic pressures on the empire, and stresses that there were very real practical reasons (in addition to the undoubted cultural and political ones) for the opposition to them expressed by many senior scholar-bureaucrats. And he shows that far from being peaceful and amicable diplomatic missions they involved heavy measures of coercive force. It certainly lay within China's power to have constructed an Asian maritime empire much as the Europeans later did, but not within China's powers of conception. It equally was open to the Chinese to have gone exploring at least as widely was the Europeans were to, but that also was unthinkable in Beijing. And no one in China could do such things without imperial command.
   
   The book is modestly but well produced, with good binding and stock. There is one overall map, a diagram showing Dreyer's concept of the design of a "treasure ship," and a few relevant illustrations. Oddly the house style seems to eschew source notes, but it is usually possible to identify sources in the general notes at the back of the book. Overall, the publishers deserve thanks for a valuable and high-quality monograph issued at a reasonable price.
   
   TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
   I. The Enigma of Zheng He.
   
   The Chinese Tributary System and the Purpose of Zheng He's Voyages.
   
   Traditional Chinese Interpretations of Zheng He's Career.
   
   Zheng He's Voyages and Western Imperial Expansion.
   
   Zheng He's Voyages and the Course of Chinese History.
   
   Historical Problems in the Interpretation of Zheng He's Career.
   
   II. Zheng He's Early Life and His Patron Emperor Yongle.
   
   The Fall of the Yuan and the Rise of Zhu Yuanzhang to 1368.
   
   The Reign of Emperor Hongwu, 1368-1398.
   
   Civil War, 1398-1402.
   
   Yongle's Reign as Emperor, 1402-1424.
   
   III. China and the Asian Maritime World in the Time of Zheng He.
   
   The Purpose of Zheng He's Voyages.
   
   Patterns of Trade in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
   
   The Malay-Indonesian World in the Hongwu Era.
   
   Southern India and Ceylon in the Time of Zheng He.
   
   IV. Sailing to India: Zheng He's First, Second and Third Voyages.
   
   The First Voyage, 1405-1407.
   
   The Second Voyage, 1407-1409.
   
   The Third Voyage, 1409-1411.
   
   V. Sailing to Africa: Zheng He's Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Voyages.
   
   The Fourth Voyage, 1412/14-1415.
   
   The Fifth Voyage, 1417-1419.
   
   The Sixth Voyage, 1421-1422.
   
   The Last Years of the Yongle Reign, 1422-1424.
   
   VI. The Ships and Men of Zheng He's Fleets.
   
   Dimensions and Displacements of the Treasure Ships.
   
   Masts and Sails.
   
   Shipbuilding Notices in the Taizong Shilu.
   
   Shipbuilding Costs.
   
   Numbers of Ships in Each of the Voyages.
   
   Personnel.
   
   VII. Zheng He's Career after 1424 and His Final Voyage.
   
   Ming China in the Hongxi (1424-25) and Xuande (1425-35) Reigns.
   
   Zheng He's Career from 1424 to 1430.
   
   Zheng He's Inscriptions at Liujiagang and Changle.
   
   Zheng He's Seventh and Final Voyage, 1431-1433.
   
   VIII. The Legacy of Zheng He.
   
   Appendix. Translations of Primary Sources.
   
   Zheng He's Biography in Mingshi 304.2b-4b.
   
   Zheng He's 1431 Inscriptions.
   
   Glossary.
   
   Note on Sources.
   
   Index.



2. Edward Dreyer's book on Zheng He is a disappointment. I had known about Zheng He through Louise Levathes' When China Ruled the Seas and the PBS documentary, "1421: The Year that China Discovered America?" as well as a previous book by Dreyer about Ming China. I had never believed in the far-fetched theory that Zheng He discovered America, but I did feel that his missions were a tremendous achievement which were good for China and that it was a tragedy that they were stopped. Dreyer trivializes Zheng He's accomplishments. He denies that he furthered trade while giving example after example of how he did so. His only real contribution is to show that Zheng He's ships were less seaworthy than is generally believed because they were built on a river (the Yangzte) and had a very shallow draught. But then, they did not have to be capable of sailing far on the open ocean in order to travel the trade network between China and the Near East. I believe that these productive and promising voyages were halted because of the Emperor Yongle's other projects, such as the wars in Vietnam and against the Mongols, and his building of the Forbidden City in Beijing, which conflicted and competed with them for money. Dreyer denies this theory but says nothing to disprove it.

No comments about Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan.

5 comments about The Japanese Way : Aspects of Behavior, Attitudes, and Customs of the Japanese.

1. As many seasoned travellers are acutely aware, visiting foreign countries without adequate research into the language and culture can turn a business trip or holiday into a nightmare. Since WW2, most European countries use English as a second language and therefore are accommodating to the ignorant visitor. In other terms, one can 'get by' without too much confusion or fuss. A few years ago, on my way to the U.S. to visit friends and family, I made a two-day stop over in Japan. Because of my limited stay and time constraints, I chose not to do any research on the language and culture. This was a big mistake. The reason being is that Japan's culture - behaviour, customs and attitudes are so different to Western modes of living. My two-day stop over was a personal disaster for many reasons. If only I had done at least a little research, my short time in Japan would have been much more meaningful. ~The Japanese Way~ is a gem of a text that covers the essentials for any one to successfully 'get by' while visiting this fascinating country.

   This text is a crucial reference to the most common aspects of the culture to the more specific traits in Japan's social framework. In the contents page is a list of 89 subjects ranging from body language and gestures to gender roles and business cards. For example, taking a taxi in Tokyo can be expensive and sometimes frustrating because the address system, house numbers, are not assigned according to grid location or position on a specific street. The buildings are grouped in blocks and are numbered according to the time in which they were built! Requesting a specific residential home, in other words, is an exasperating exercise and most of the time the driver will not be able to find it. (The lesson learned here is to purchase a map and use public transport.) This text also provides the basics in language - Hellos and Goodbyes and some basic rules on politeness and rudeness. These basic phrases and suggested approach to social situations are invaluable, even if you're only planning a short visit.

   If you're planning to travel to Japan sometime in the future, I highly recommend this invaluable book, because it literally covers just about everything you will need to know to ensure your stay is fulfilling, memorable and problem free.




2. A useful and welcome concept, but the book is altogether too short, I feel, to teach you much. Most of the topics covered will already be things that someone who's read a few basic books about Japan and Japanese culture will have read already. I would recommend this book to a person who doesn't know anything about Japan as a quick guide to the culture, perhaps. I felt an expanded edition-- some added topics or digging a little deeper into holidays or national policy or government-- might be more interesting.



3. My friends actually gave this book to me before I left for a trip to Japan. The book is organized into mini sections of information, which makes it a quick read and perfect distraction for the daunting 12 hour flight over there. I found that the book does a really good job of explaining the culture and some of the do's and don'ts while visiting. This was the only book I read, but found it extremely helpful and interesting - I definitely suggest buying this book if you are taking a trip to Japan.



4. Although it may be a little outdated by now, this quick read is an ideal way for first-time Japan travellers to get acquainted with the rather complicated Japanese ways. As a Japanese-American I wish I had read this long ago to better understand my mother! My husband found this book very helpful when he went to Japan on business. For business or pleasure, this book should make your trip to Japan easier... and hopefully keep you from accidentally insulting someone. But then, the Japanese are polite and will understand you are just a "gajin."



5. The book is a nice thorough overview of Japanese life and culture. Great for the traveler. Amazon waited a week before even shipping with Super Saver shipping, and there is no other way to leave feedback.

2 comments about Kyoto Travel Map: 2005/2006 Edition (Periplus Travel Maps).

1. I will know more when I get to use the map on my next trip to Kyoto, however, it appears to have good detail and covers the region well (from my memory of last trip in Jan 07).



2. The free maps available at hotels and major sites from the Kyoto tourism board are more accurate and up to date than this map.

5 comments about Philippines Travel Map: 2005/2006 Edition (Periplus Travel Maps).

1. This is the best travel map I've seen for the Philippines. Very detailed, lots of information and great quality paper. It is much better than the Globetrotter map I bought earlier. Globetrotter doesn't even show the provinces of the Philippines on the map...



2. I had a hard time deciding on giving it 4 or 5 stars, it is an excellent map and is worth it's weight in gold while traveling in the Philippines, but it is some what out-dated and would like to see a new one for 2003. Don't get me wrong, it's a very concise and accurate map, also when you unfold it...the thick creases make it permanent, so it easily folds back up with out any confusion that the usual fold up maps can give us. All in all, this is an excellent map that is a must for you to take on any trip to the Philippines.



3. Many omissions and errors. I would skip this in favor of the free map available at the Manila airport which shows both the whole country and Manila. Yes, the latter has ads, but at least it shows the Light Rail Transit stops in Manila. Unfortunately, I am unable to recommend anything better!



4. Forget this map. the "International Travwl Maps" of the philippies is much better. I went into rural areas and i would have felt blind with this map.



5. One of the best maps I have found. Straightforward and presents basic travel and location info.

5 comments about Trekking in Nepal: A Traveler's Guide (Trekking In...).

1. This is the most fantastic travel guide I've ever used and the only one you will need in Nepal. Bezruchka's love and respect for the Nepali people is evident in every line and will enhance your journey to Nepal as well. We followed his advice and had a much richer experience for it. We watched other tourists who didn't follow his advice being laughed at and ignored. The language book and tape that you can order were incredibly helpful, way better than any dictionary. We were able to converse competently which made a huge difference in our experience. Don't bother with the Lonely Planet guide, which just tells you how to get through the country as cheaply as possible. There is so much more to experiencing Nepal than saving a buck here and buck there.



2. Stephen Bezruchka has prepared a valuable and complete guide to trekking in the Nepal / Everest region. The book offers practical advise from years of personal experience for anyone thinking about a trip to the area. Bezruchka also creates a much needed ecological awareness and offers substantial insight into the culture of Nepal. The book is much more than a travel guide and just plain interesting. I don't often give books five stars, but this work was beyond my highest expectations - a labor of love. Highly recommended!



3. This is the book that first opened my eyes to Nepal and its culture. It's much more than a guidebook: it has a sensitivity and compassion for its subject that is almost unique in the field of travel writing. It doesn't coddle you with if-it's-day-three-this-must-be-Namche route descriptions, but lets you find your own adventure and gain profound insights along the way. It also has an extensive medical section.



4. Fifteen years ago I started my trekking company's operation in Nepal with information from this book! The trek descriptions and the information on organizing a trek offer all the nuts and bolts. The background information is fascinating as are Dr. Bezruchka's views on poverty and culture shock.



5. While the completeness of Bezruchka's guide cannot be faulted the tone and style certainly don't compare to Jamie McGuinness's book on the same topic. In comparison this book was quite a chore to read especially since it is peppered with sermons on globalization. An extremely capable guide but there are good alternatives you may find more enjoyable.

5 comments about Korea: A Walk Through the Land of Miracles.

1. As a Westerner who has lived in Seoul for two years, I was quite intrigued by Simon Winchester's look at the country back in the 1980s, back in the days of the military dictatorship, a Korea that I never knew.
   
   While the book is far from a perfect introduction to Korea (look at it as one man's personal eccentric travelouge), I have to say I was quite suprised (and inspired to write this review) by some of the comments people have already posted. I've seen lots of really patronizing belittling of Korean customs in my time (there are expat message boards that are unpleasantly full of it) but ... I didn't see any of it in Winchester's book. He tends toward the sardonic, to be sure, but I get the feeling he'd be the same way if he were writing a travelouge of, say, New Hampshire. (The only other book of his I've read is "The Professor and the Madman", so I may be wrong here.)
   
   Maybe I'm breaking an Amazon rule about commenting on other people's comments, but "He even complains that in the country-side people have electricy and TVs, as if he expected Korea to be preserved as a medieval theme park for his viewing pleasure."? Excuse me? He STATES at one point that countryside people have electricity and TVs, to be sure, but where is the verb "complain" being dredged from?
   
   To be sure, Winchester has a fascination with Korean women, and Korean prostitutes, and I don't think it would fatally injure the book if he'd left some of those details out. So, yeah, I could see how somebody could have a problem with his treatment of women. Otherwise, the only issue I can see that someone could truly be offended by is his utter non-treatment of Gyeongsang province, home of Busan and Daegu and Gyeonju but which he only mentions when he visits the thoroughly dull industrial city of Ulsan. I can picture proud Gyeongsang partisans getting thoroughly riled up...



2. I recall liking "Outposts" and "Fracture Zone" though it's been a while. "Korea", however, was the end of line for me. Winchester makes a repeated point of how popular he is among South Koreans by virtue of his being English; that was snotty enough by the third go-round. What did me in was the time he arrived at a U S base, browbeat them into letting him stay there (when they didn't have to), and then proceeded to trash just about every single U S military person he ran across after accepting their hospitality. He also had a penchant for running into anti-American Koreans; you'd think they were rife, along with all of the many prostitutes throwing themselves at him. Oh yeah, there was one old soldier, fawningly pro-British, as though the U K had been the ones who saved South Korea.
   Yes, there's well-researched history here, hence a second star. Not worth purchasing new. If you can't find a used copy, get it from the library.



3. I was compelled to write in praise of Winchester's Korea after seeing the other poor reviews. I am enjoying this book thoroughly and am not offended by Winchester's wit or maleness. There is plenty of other perspective and imagery throughout his walk that you may dwell upon if you're looking for a romantic time. It was written in the 80s though, so you'll want to get up to date - after you go and read the Journal of Hamel and his shipwrecked accounts from the mid 17th century!
   
   
   Winchester's language is smart. His writing structure is a breath of fresh air as someone so smart chooses to write so freely. As a fan of Krakatoa I must highly recommend this book as well.



4. This was the only book of Simon's I had not read. I can truly say now that I have enjoyed them all! Korea and it's people come alive. Reading a Simon Winchester book should be counted as a college level course. And it is always far more interesting.



5. Like one of the other reviewers mentioned, I was also intrigued by the simple design on the cover: sepia, Chinese characters, empty pair of shoes. I expected something thought-provoking, deep, contemplative and perhaps a little wistful. "Korea" turns out to be none of these.
   
   Books about Asia by western authors tend to fall into two categories: those by authors who "get it" and go deep, and those by authors who can't, and don't try, and instead parade their cultural biases around the country they visit and propagate shallow stereotypes.
   
   Winchester does try, and some of his diversions on Korean history and culture are fascinating, especially for someone who knows nothing about the place. This book is also interesting as something of a period piece,
   since Korea has doubtlessly changed a lot since the book was written.
   
   Unfortunately, Winchester doesn't get very far before he falls victim to the same sweeping generalizations that ruin books like this one: Koreans are "full of anger" and they're all "constantly depressed". Sure. For having traveled so far, his understanding of the Korean people is quite shallow. This is probably because he spends more time with foreigners than with Koreans to begin with, and it puts his book squarely in the latter category.
   
   Nevertheless, it's a quick, fun read, and there's definitely something to be learned from this book. The last chapter, on his visit to the DMZ, was by far the best. If you want to read a book about Asia by a western author who really gets it, and really connects to the place he's at, try one of the books on Japan by Alex Kerr or Alan Booth. At least Winchester's book is honest, and it's one of the few we have by someone who at least tries to understand Korea.

5 comments about Philippines Travel Guide.

1. The topics covered by the author as far as attractions, accomodations, transportation and local customs are very accurate. This is a must read not only for foreign visitors but for Filipino travelers too because most Filipinos only know about Boracay! Not too many locals have gone and visited the Banaue Rice Terraces as a good example. This book describes a Philippies that has other worthwhile places to visit aside from the usual white sand beaches.



2. I really don't know why everyone is giving this book five stars. I purchased this book based on the recommendations I saw here, despite the fact it is a year older than the latest Lonely Planet. I do have the Lonely Planet guide that Jens Peters wrote from years ago, so I figured I'd go with his latest. I was wrong. I found his suggestions and assessments incomplete compared to the recent LP and the book is peppered with advertisements, which make me question whether or not these ads influence his writing. I have returned this book and purchased the latest LP Philippines. I'm very happy with my decision. With a dearth of updated Philippines travel guides in the first place, I'd go with LP... at least until Moon Guides update their version!



3. This book is very thorough, but I actually like The Rough Guide to the Philippines better.



4. A heavy book to carry, but it is the best there is right now. I use it every trip.



5. Jens captured the top local favorites with places, sights to see, and esp restaurants His quotes on prices and description on lodging is on the mark I just came back from the Philippines and knowing the language and speaking to locals during my backpacking, they were surprised that a German guide book author know their restaurants of choice The only downside is that the author needs to elaborate on some local festivals and also missing information in areas like Cavite, Tagaytay etc But it's definitely a great guide book to have it was my bible during this year's visit and got courageous on venturing out on my own Have fun

No comments about The Marco Polo Odyssey: In the Footsteps of a Merchant Who Changed the World.

5 comments about Learning to Bow: Inside the Heart of Japan.

1. Bruce Feiler shares his experience as a new teacher in Japan and how he accommodates himself to the culture of Japan and its school system. The book includes many humorous episodes as well as studies in how to adapt to new surroundings and to people who have different behaviors from those of our own. The reader will develop a greater appreciation for the way in which the Japanese education system works at the levels described in the book and in how one must develop a thick skin and a great sense of humor in order to be accepted when traveling or working overseas. The characters in this book are real and are brought to life on paper quite effectively. This is a story of shock, adaptation, and, ultimately, but with a lot of hard work - success.



2. This book by Bruce Feiler is not just about the Japanese educational system but about the Japanese themselves. While it does touch on how students and teachers work together, teen suicide and cram school, it also deals with the problems of racism, the way the Japanese balance their lives and their duties to society, and even a few chapters on Japanese dating and marriage. It is full of humor, insight and clear thinking. Mr. Feiler clearly but a lot of thought into his visit and is just as clear in explaining to us what he feels is the important and major issues that Japan has to deal with - not just then but now and in the future. A must for any library on Asia or Japan.



3. Many of the previous reviews have pointed out Mr Feller's haughty condescension but what really makes his book a drag is how breathtakingly boring it is. Naked with other men in a hot spring bath? Good gracious me! As another reviewer pointed out, anybody who comes to Japan will experience virtually everything in this book in the first week; what that other reviewer failed to mention is that nobody else will decide to write a tedious book about it all. Filled with shallow 'insights' and yawn-inducing 'adventures', Feller's book is a soporific account of a dull year as lived by a dull individual who managed, somehow, to con a publisher into releasing this dull book. The fact that it's still in print boggles the mind.
   
   If you're interested in a good read on Japan look for either of Alan Booth's books (Looking For The Lost & The Roads To Sata), John Morley's Pictures From The Water Trade, Will Ferguson's Hokkaido Highway Blues, or anything by Lafcadio Hearn. All of those authors deliver. Mr Feller's book might be useful for chronic insomniacs but everybody else should steer well clear.



4. As I made my way through Feiler's account, I was primarily amused by his humorous initial encounters with Japanese culture: the often awkward questions frequently posited him by his friends, coworkers, and students; the stark dissimilarities between the Japanese and the American-style classroom; the extent to which Feiler's foreign appearance and personality caused him to stand out amid an otherwise fairly uniform populace. In nearly every chapter, I found myself laughing out loud. As the book progressed, however, I became disturbed by the author's general exclusion of personal reflections on his experiences. For example, it remains ambiguous whether the author is interested in trying "nanpa"--a procedure in which strangers "pick up" on women in bars, discos, or similar environments, mostly popular among young Japanese men--out of a genuine desire to procure a Japanese girlfriend, or merely in demonstration of a detached cultural curiosity. He interjects almost no explicit discussions of his feelings or emotional reactions toward the many shocking, challenging, and even tragic events that he encounters throughout the narrative. As someone interested in going to Japan to teach English, and curious about the types of experiences had by Americans who have done so in the past, this particular quality of Feiler's narrative was a bit disappointing.
   
   By the end of the book, however, I came to the realization that the very inclusion of certain information in Feiler's memoir speaks volumes on the nature of the clash between Western and Japanese culture. The details that Feiler includes on the overbearingly autocratic leadership style of his school principle, the structure of a seventh-grade fieldtrip to Disneyland Tokyo, and the reaction of Japanese students toward his unorthodoxly American pedagogical style all attest to the impression that Feiler was deeply moved and challenged by his interactions with Eastern culture. And the laughter and tears that several of his anecdotes drew forth compel me to conclude that these passages were not written without emotional affectation.
   
   In my preparation to move overseas to teach and live among an unfamiliar society, I found this book deeply enlightening and encouraging. As previous experiences abroad have taught me, being a foreigner in a new country can be a direly lonely and often stressful experience. Feiler has given us an insightful and meaningful account of what Americans moving to Japan ought to expect from the culture clash, as well as detailed many interesting aspects of Japanese society that outsiders interested in the country might not otherwise consider. I highly recommend it.



5. "I came to Japan at the invitation of the Japanese Ministry of Education . . ." indeed! Feiler has a very high opinion of himself. And isn't it a bit inappropriate for a teacher to kiss the hand of a junior high girl, let alone a junior high girl of another culture? I've been reading a lot of Japanese non-fiction and travel essays since a recent visit to Japan and so far this book ranks low in terms of enjoyment, educational value and insight because of its pretentious tone.