1 comments about A Journey to the East: Li Gui's A New Account of a Trip Around the Globe.

1. Desnoyers' A Journey to the East is a fascinating time capsule of a book. Li Gui's account of his trip to the 1876 Phillie Exposition captures an outsiders view of a time and place that we are all now outsiders to. His attempts to make American and European ideas and experiences understandable to his stay-at-home Chinese readers gives us a refreshing look at our own technology and culture as it was becoming what is now the "modern world." I found his surprise at the widespread use of female workers mirroring my own surprise. And I was stunned by the amazing access he had on his trip to politicians and captains of industry. He was completely unphazed by meeting presidents and New York's Mayor, but I suppose if one has an Emperor, even NY's mayor is small potatoes. His concern and care for his countrymen in American is apparant and gives an interesting look at how foreign workers were assimilating into our melting pot. Even Li Gui's little jokes and homilies were endearing. All in all, a very intersting and surprisable readable look into another time.
   Desnoyers' introduction is in many ways the meat and potaotes of the volume, especially if Chinese history isn't your field. He very ably distills out and encapsulates enough of the times and conditions of Li Gui's life to give you the picture of the man and the place in history he represents. This is invaluable in understanding how Li Gui was experiencing the wonders he saw and what he was trying to accomplish by writing his account as a travelogue for the large, xenophobic audiance back home. For all his discriptions of the wonders abroad he wanted his Chinese readers to see that people everywhere were not that different from the people back home.

No comments about Rand McNally Champion Map Traverse City, Michigan (Champion Maps).

No comments about Grand Rapids: Renaissance on the Grand (American Portrait Series).

No comments about Sailing Around the World the Wrong Way, Vol. 1: Lake Michigan to Trinidad.

3 comments about Detroit's Eastern Market: A Farmers Market Shopping and Cooking Guide, New Edition.

1. Sure, Margaret Thomas is a good friend of mine, but I can still manage to be objective. This is a really great book.

   Set out as a walking guide to the Market, the text is clear and informative, but maintains a friendly, informal style, just as if you are walking along with the authors in the Market. You will learn about the Market's nearly 200 year history, meet the store owners and get some great recipes while on your "walk". Of course, all the ingredients can be found right in this open air marketplace.

   Michigan is a four season state, and this market is open in all seasons, not just summer. A section featuring 8 full menus is organized by seasons-A spring Mediterranean feast features lamb, summer brings fresh salads, autumn has satisfying soups, and a winter highlight is veal scaloppine.

   In the index, you will also find individual recipes from appetizers to vegetables (more than 25 unique offerings for vegetables alone) The recipes come from shop owners, employees, farmers, dealers, shoppers and restaurant owners, as well as the authors themselves. Wonderful color photos by Bruce Harkness capture the hustle and bustle of the Eastern Market, and spotlight fresh Michigan Produce.

   Like the market itself, this book is "highly useful, convenient and beneficial".




2. I also as the first reviewer know the authors Lois Johnson and Margaret Thomas. Their approach to writing to me is as fresh as the produce found in the market. I was extremely lucky recently to be part of a tour of the market led by them. Their enthusiasm for the subject is very evident first hand as is their obvious repoire with the traders who generally greet the authors with smiles and hugs. The whole experience I felt was very worthwhile as is reading the book. It has become a stock "Detroit" gift, when I go back to England I take copies for my family and friends who delight in this little piece of Americana.



3. Margaret Thomas and Lois Johnson did a splendid job writing "Detroit's Eastern Market". I found the book a delight because I not only shopped there many times but when I was a young I sold produce there grown on my Uncles farm in Northville, MI.. I tried some of the recipes and again I was very impressed. I conceder myself a friend of Margaret and hope to have my copy of her book signed soon and cook a dish from the book for her too.

No comments about Lake Superior's North Shore and Isle Royale (Voyageur Wilderness Books).

No comments about Seasons of Little Traverse Bay.

No comments about Perley'S Reminiscences of Sixty Years in the National Metropolis / by Ben: Perley Poore..

No comments about Travels in Central America, particularly in Nicaragua; with a description of its aboriginal monuments, scenery and people, their languages, institutions, religion, &c. ... By E. G. Squier.: Vol. 2..

1 comments about You Know You're in Michigan When...: 101 Quintessential Places, People, Events, Customs, Lingo, and Eats of the Great Lakes State (You Know You're In Series).

1. If you've always lived in Michigan or are a new resident you'll love this book. Being a native of Michigan I learned some new things about my state, and was amused by the things I was familiar with. If you love Michigan, you'll love this quick read.