Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #449947 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

Customer Reviews

Excellent knowledge base, informative and captivating
Simon Winchester displays a wealth of knowledge about the Yangtzee. He has clearly done his homework and clearly explains why the Yangtzee holds the importance that it does to the Chinese. His narrative covers all aspects of the region, the geological history, economic history and the crucial political aspects. He always puts the historical importance of these factors into the modern context and the net result is a truly interesting, yet richly informative read. It was difficult to put down. This is not a book for the lazy mind however as the imagery that the author conjures up is provocative and requires a good deal of interaction from the reader.

One of the Best Travel Books Ever!
As a teacher, Sinophile, and Japophile i get to read about these places more than i can visit them. So to hold me over between trips, I devour travel narratives of East Asia. Simon Winchester's beautiful, entertaining, and informative narrative of his journey along the Yangtze River is a classic. If you are planning a trip to China or just dreaming about it....Winchester's book is a must. Grab a lonely planet guide, Orville Schells Mandate of Heaven, and Winchester's book and you will be set. I could and read this book all day!

A great travel book by a knowledgeable and gifted writer!
I didn't want this book to end! The author's high and low descriptions of China jive with my limited experience there. His knowledge of the history, culture, flora and fauna were outstanding, while his description of the people really touched my heart. A literary treasure for me!