No comments about Lonely Planet Mandarin Para el Viajero: Guias Para Conversar (Spanish Guides).

No comments about The Love of Lotus.

No comments about Zhao Beijing - Guia de viajes para China 2008 (Zhao Cards).

2 comments about Ways of Thinking of Eastern Peoples: India, China, Tibet, Japan (Revised) (National Foreign Language Center Technical Reports).

1. This formidable volume has become a classic of sorts for those interested in Asian/Buddhist Studies. It was written in the mid-1940s by Nakamura, who is a Japanese scholar of Indian Buddhism, and was revised in 1962-3 through a series of conferences with the assistance of Western scholars. The volume is a comparative
   work attempting to outline differences between `ways of thinking` (an ambiguous term throughout the book) in India, China, Tibet and Japan. His means for accomplishing this dubious task mainly rely on linguistic analysis, and the development of Buddhism in each country, as well as an `assessment` of their cultural products. Nakamura`s goal is to debunk the notion of a homogenous `Oriental` or Eastern cultural set of values in opposition to `Occidental` or Western ones. Nakamura feels that this is a misleading dichotomy which needs to be dissolved or problematized, however, his work contains many idiosyncracies and outdated assumptions derived in part from the author`s own historical/intellectual context. It is definitely a more enriching read if one bears in mind that the book was written in Japan during and after the war, and was affected later by the largely Orientalist discourse still prevalent in Western scholarship. Furthermore, with half of the book devoted to Japan, one wonders what Nakamura`s justification or motivation for this might be, as he does not make it explicit in the text. With these considerations taken into account, the book stands on its own as a historical document in its own right. Definitely not for the faint of heart, this volume is recommendable mostly for those interested in the history of Asian studies, being indicative of some of the currents and trends that shaped the development of this area of study in the 20th century.



2. Professor Hajime NAKAMURA (1912-99) of Tokyo University, one of the leading and most productive scholars of Buddhism in post-war Japan, in 1947 completed the first draft of this study, an English translation of which was which was printed under UNESCO auspices in 1960. It was subsequently revised and expanded as a result of Nakamura's interaction with a number of prominent Western scholars such as Yale's Arthur F. Wright (Buddhism in Chinese History, 1959), and Hawaii's Philip O. Wiener, who edited the revised English translation published by the University of Hawaii Press in 1964.
   
   In his preface to the 1960 edition Wright describes Nakamura's project: ". . . No people in the world today is isolated from those world-wide movements of thought and belief which are tending to transform the lives of all peoples. But each people accepts or rejects, adapts and modifies the universal ideologies which reach them. What governs this process, and what is it which produces within each culture an amalgam which is at once part of a world-wide movement and distinctively its own? Mr. Nakamura considers the spread of the universal religion of Buddhism; and in Chinese, Japanese, and Tibetan responses to Buddhism -- as well as in the history of Buddhism in India -- Mr. Nakamura finds clues to certain fundamental and persisting characteristics of their differing modes of thought. These characteristics in turn help to explain their fundamental historical and cultural differences one from another and their variant responses to Western culture in our time."
   
   Ways of Thinking is subdivided into four major parts: INDIA, CHINA, TIBET, and JAPAN; and it may be helpful to point out that Professor Nakamura's wide range of interests and study qualified him to attempt such an ambitious project -- as indicated by the fact that early in his career he was awarded a special prize for his four volume history of early (Indian) Vedanta philosophy.
   
   Perhaps some sense of the issues and problems involved in Ways of Thinking can be gleaned from the table of contents for the section on Japan. It must be noted, however, that these not sound-bites to conjure up a social stereotype. Rather, they are serious topics which Professor Nakamura addresses at length with many examples and notes. And we are free to agree or disagree with his conclusions only after we have carefully read what he has to say.
   
   PART IV: JAPAN
   
   34. The Acceptance of Phenomenalism
   The Phenomenal World As Absolute -- This-Worldliness -- The Acceptance of Man's Natural Dispositions -- Emphasis on the Love of Human Beings -- The Spirit of Tolerance -- Cultural Multiplicity (Consisting of Several Strata Still Preserved) and Weakness of the Spirit of Criticism
   
   35. The Tendency to Emphasize a Limited Social Nexus Overstressing of Social Relations -- Social Relationships Take Precedence over the Individual -- Unconditional Belief in a Limited Social Nexus -- Observance of Family Morals -- Emphasis on Rank and Social Position -- Problems of Ultra-Nationalism -- Absolute Devotion to Specific Individual Symbolic of the Social Nexus -- Emperor Worship -- Sectarian and Factional Closedness -- Defense of a Human Nexus by Force -- Emphasis upon Human Activities -- Acuteness of Moral Self-Reflection -- Weak Awareness of Religious Values
   
   36. Non-Rationalistic Tendencies
   Indifference to Logical Rules -- Lack of Interest in Formal Consistency -- Slow Development of Exact Logic in Japan -- Hopes for Development of Exact Logical Thinking in Japan -- Intuitive and Emotional Tendencies -- Tendency to Avoid Complex Ideas -- Fondness for Simple Symbolic Expressions -- The Lack of Knowledge Concerning the Objective Order
   
   37- Problem of Shamanism
   
   For me Ways of Thinking easily deserves five stars: it is a great work by a great scholar. How does it compare with that well-known work on a similar theme, The Chrysanthemum and the Sword: Patterns of Japanese Culture by Ruth Benedict (1887-1948)? Check it out.
   
   Professor Nakamura has long since dropped off the best-seller lists, along George Sansom (the great historian of Japan), Edwin O. Reischauer and John K. Fairbank (authors of the solid 2-volume set, East Asia: The Great Tradition), T.R.V. Murti (The Central Philosophy of Buddhism: A Study of the Madhyamika system), and many others who wrote just a few decades ago. Have their ideas and books been superseded and replaced by something better? No, they have just been blown away by the winds of fashion, just as the fashions of today will be replaced in turn. But if you are looking for a good read, they are names to keep in mind.

No comments about America Views China: American Images of China Then and Now.

3 comments about Frommer's Born To Shop: Hong Kong, Shanghai & Beijing.

1. I purchased Suzy's last edition on Hong Kong, to guide me around this great shopping city. It was very helpful. She tells you the places to forget, and the places not to be missed. When I heard that she was releasing a new edition with Shanghai & Beijing, I purchased it also, for an upcoming trip to Beijing. I was a little disapointed to find that she had trimmed alot off of the Hong Kong section to make room for the mainland cities. But it's still a must have if shopping is on your "to do" list. Suzy seemed to list all the things I wanted to buy on my trip, she does have impecable taste.



2. The author hasn't a clue as to how to negotiate with the Chinese and does not give the correct warnings or prices. She is a "princess". I just returned from my 31st trip to China. There is almost no silk or original merchandise at the Silk Market. However, it is a lot of fun. There is not a shirt or blouse there that cannot be bought for 30 yuan ($3.60). North Face knockoffs can be bought for 130 yuan ($15.60) for their most expensive long jacket. Pearls at the Hong Qiao (Pearl) Market are of very low quality. Most strands cost about 100 yuan ($12). Learn the difference between salt water and fresh water pearls and how to tell the quality difference. Know how to tell if the pearls are fake before you go there. The fourth floor stores are just a different form of marketing pearls so don't be fooled by their nicer western look. Remember that only the store knows their price - and they will only sell to you if they can make a profit. Always walk away after making an what you may consider an absurd offer and after you let them know that you really want to buy the item. Make them make at least two offers before you make your absurd offer. There is not relationship between their initial offfer and what the item is worth. All this takes a lot of time so be prepared. Comparison shop before buying. All stores carry the same items.



3. Suzy's Hong-Kong only book was wonderful. It recommended specific shops, not just neighborhoods, for every type of good imaginable. It also gave fantastic hints like where not to bother looking if you wear a size on the upper end of the spectrum.

   The new book including Shanghai and Beijing is next to worthless. All of the shop recommendations for HK have been ommited. Some of my favorites from "Born to Shop Hong Kong", like Gemsland in the Mandarin Hotel, deserve to be mentioned as providing amazing service, great quality and reasonable prices to every visitor planning on coming to HK.

   I purchased the book in preparation for an upcoming trip to Shanghai. With the exception of the overview of the markets, very little else was of use. There are almost no local shop (non-department store) recommendations and suggestions for totally random (and useless?) things like wedding photos. In fact it only gives shopping suggestions for 9 categories- and included in that 9 are things like Drugstores. How are you going to Shop til You Drop in a drugstore?

   Additionally, the index is horrible. There is a whole paragraph on the Hoabao Building in the Yu Gardens, but good luck finding any reference to it in the index. This is just one example, there are many more.

   I was so disappointed in this book. Entirely way too much time spent on travel logistics. Anyone going to China is not going to purchase this book as their sole resource guide. Leave the logistics to those who do it best, and spend more time on where to shop!

No comments about Teaching in Wartime China: A Photo-Memoir, 1937-1939.

4 comments about National Geographic Traveler: Thailand (National Geographic Traveler).

1. The National Geographic Traveler travel guide for Thailand is a bit pricey for travel books of this type, but it is well worth the investment. Unlike most travel guides, this one is rich in beautiful photography. The book offers a wealth of information on the history and culture of the country, and it gives detailed information about each tourist site. The section covering hotel accomodations and restaurants is adequate, but there are other travel guides that do a better job in these departments. However, the great number and high quality of the photographs compensate for other shortcomings and tempt you to see it all for yourself.



2. Buy it for the pictures only. The organization and quality of information in this guidebook is terrible.

   The worst travel book I've ever purchased.




3. This book seems to be mostly fluff and pictures. It's all in full color which makes it appealing to the eye, and the pictures and general information about various locations are interesting. However, it's almost useless in planning a trip.
   
   All the hotels and restaurants are listed at the back of the book (separate from the other information about the cities, which in itself is annoying because you have to flip back and forth), and the selection they list seems completely random. For many cities no hotels or restaurants are listed.
   
   National Geographic would do well to cut down on the pretty colors and pictures and expand the actual information provided in this book. As it is now, it is a waste of money. Buy the Lonely Planet guide if you want practical information that will actually help you to plan and enjoy a trip to Thailand.



4. National Geographic Traveler is the best series of its type, and the NGT Thailand book has the same standards of quality as all the others. It provides an excellent mix of written descriptions and beautiful pictures, both of which are helpful in determining whether to include places on your trip itinerary. The only flaw is that the hotel and meal section is not particularly useful.

3 comments about Tibet Overland: A Route and Planning Guide for Mountain Bikers and Other Overlanders (Traliblazer Guides).

1. If you are planning to carry out a serious adventure across Tibet and the Himalayas, then this book will be your proverbial Bible. It gives remarkably accurate descriptions of exactly where you will be from day to day, is easy to read and understand, and makes you feel safe in an otherwise difficult environment.
   I am not a serious cyclist, but with this book it was possible for me to cross what is regarded as some of the most challenging and rewarding off-road tracks on earth.
   It offers useful suggestions from what to pack to recommendations of how far to ride per day and it gives you detailed advice on where you can get food and water and even, when availiable, beds.
   This book is pricelss to anyone heading that way...



2. I've done a lot of travelling and mountainbiking throughout the world including the extreme 'Central Otago Rail Trail' and this book rates as one of the best I've read and used in years - the quality of information is outstanding and the author deserves further acolades for what he has done to promote this region of the world.

   I'd recommend this book be read with a Devino.




3. If you have plans to go to Tibet, you NEED to read this book. This is not a Novel, it is a survival book. After reading it I still plan on riding Tibet, but will be doing the fully supported tour. Pay serious attention to the altitude, and read up some other things such as into thin air etc to make sure you understand its effects.

No comments about Goethes Werke: Band X. Italienische Reise. Zweiter Römischer Aufenthalt. Über Italien.