Frank Carlson Library

"At a high-society Shanghai wedding, the reluctant bride and her two best friends, each with their own personal motives and fed up with the way society treats women, forge a plan to steal all the gift money on the big day"--

Embark on a fascinating exploration of the ordinary lives of people spanning the diverse dynasties of ancient China. From the agrarian simplicity of early dynasties to the sophisticated urban centers of later eras, this book unveils the nuances of daily life that shaped the experiences of individuals throughout China's rich imperial history.

Who am I? This question is often asked in youth, as a part of "coming of age". No longer in his youth, the author asks the question in hindsight, in the form of a memoir not only about individuals - himself and his father - but also about the nations and communities that nurtured them. Those nations happen to be Britain and China and the specifics matter. It is possible, however, that generalities matter more, in particular those to do with shared...

"Amitav Ghosh unravels the impact of the opium trade on global history and in his own family-the climax of a yearslong project"-- When Amitav Ghosh began the research for his monumental cycle of novels the Ibis Trilogy, he was startled to learn how the lives of the nineteenth-century sailors and soldiers he wrote about were dictated not only by the currents of the Indian Ocean but also by the precious commodity carried in enormous quantities on those...

Undoubtedly, reading the entire book is invaluable for anyone interested in Mount Kailash, its surrounding regions, and the spiritual and cultural significance it holds. Whether you plan to embark on a journey to Mount Kailash, seek to gain a deeper understanding of this sacred place, or simply wish to enjoy a vicarious travel experience, this book offers a comprehensive and immersive narrative.From the moment you land in Kathmandu, the book takes...

In an alternate Tang Dynasty China, aspiring royal alchemist Zilan, who has the ability to resurrect the dead, arrives in the capital to compete against the best alchemists in the country and becomes drawn into the dangerous political games of the royal family. Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist, of providing for her family by making alchemical gold and gems for the wealthy to eat in order to stay young forever. Instead she lives in an impoverished...

East Capital is buried more than eight meters deep under current Kaifeng city in Henan Province of China based on archaeological evidence. As the biggest capital in the world around 1120 AD with about 1.5 million people, the book described the capital from various angles about its location, rivers, people, Emperor, royal palace, custom, festivals, honor of guards and garrison armies etc. It was one of the best books telling about the capital. It is...

The international market for antique Chinese furniture is booming, and masterpieces from the Ming and Qing dynasties are now worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Chinese Furniture is a survey of these collectibles-from the very best hardwood pieces featured to standard softwood specimens still available on the Asian market. This antique furniture book presents an overview of carving styles, wood types, regional variations, class distinctions and...

The Tao Is Silent Is Raymond Smullyan's beguiling and whimsical guide to the meaning and value of eastern philosophy to westerners. "To me," Writes Smullyan, "Taoism means a state of inner serenity combined with an intense aesthetic awareness. Neither alone is adequate; a purely passive serenity is kind of dull, and an anxiety-ridden awareness is not very appealing." This is more than a book on Chinese philosophy. It is a series of ideas inspired...

If you want to discover the captivating history of the Cultural Revolution, then keep reading...The Cultural Revolution, known in full as the "Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution," was launched by Mao Zedong, the chairman of the Communist Party of China, as a means of quashing capitalism in China. He wanted to ensure that the desire for a communist government would remain strong in the country long after his death. Like other previous leaders who...