Beijing (CityScopes) - Softcover

Jaivin, Linda

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1780232616 ISBN 13: 9781780232614

Publisher: Reaktion Books, 2014

Synopsis

Beijing is an intimate and informed portrait of a city at the centre of one of the world's oldest civilizations and the capital of one of its newest superpowers. For hundreds of thousands of years, humans and their ancestors - Peking Man among them - have lived here. Over three and a half millennia, cities have risen and fallen in this place, five of them the capitals of dynastic empires. For centuries the stage for sieges, massacres, rebellions and political spectacle, Beijing has produced or inspired some of China's greatest and most iconic works of literature, theatre and music. At this book's heart is a concise, lively history of the city, full of big and charismatic personalities and dramatic events. Thought-provoking essays on topics ranging from the elemental problems of water and air to the vibrant art scene and the architectural adventurism of the city's 'hyperbuildings' take the reader to the shores of the city's lakes, down into its subway system and through its bustling art districts. Generously illustrated with modern photographs and compelling historical images and containing a number of useful listings, Beijing is the ultimate introduction to this extraordinary city for travellers and general readers alike.

About this title

Review:

"With intelligence and wit, "Beijing" is the perfect traveling companion for visitors old and new. At last, a book to carry on all of your wandering through this incomparable city."
--Michael Meyer, author of The Last Days of Old Beijing

"Linda Javin writes with feeling, wit, and great insight on the history of Beijing, bringing to life the great city's many splendors." --Jasper Becker, author of The Chinese

With intelligence and wit, "Beijing" is the perfect traveling companion for visitors old and new. At last, a book to carry on all of your wandering through this incomparable city.
--Michael Meyer, author of The Last Days of Old Beijing"

Linda Javin writes with feeling, wit, and great insight on the history of Beijing, bringing to life the great city s many splendors. --Jasper Becker, author of The Chinese"

With intelligence and wit, Beijing is the perfect traveling companion for visitors old and new. At last, a book to carry on all of your wandering through this incomparable city.
--Michael Meyer, author of The Last Days of Old Beijing"

"With intelligence and wit, Beijing is the perfect traveling companion for visitors old and new. At last, a book to carry on all of your wandering through this incomparable city."
--Michael Meyer, author of The Last Days of Old Beijing

About the Author:

Linda Jaivin is a novelist, essayist, translator and playwright. Her books include Eat Me (1995), A Most Immoral Woman (2009), The Monkey and the Dragon (2001) and New Ghosts, Old Dreams: Chinese Rebel Voices (1992). She lives in Sydney.

About this edition

• Publisher: Reaktion Books
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1780232616
• ISBN 13: 9781780232614
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192