This book presents a fascinating and stunningly beautiful introduction to Chinese language and culture.The origins of Chinese ideographs were not known until 1899 when a scholar went to an apothecary for some medicine made of "dragon bone". To his surprise the bone, which had not yet been ground into powder, contained a number of carved inscriptions. Thus began the discovery of the 3000 year old sources of the written characters still in use in China today.In this unparalleled and beautiful book, Cecilia Lindqvist tells the fascinating story of these origins, and shows how their shapes and concepts permeate Chinese thought, architecture, art and culture. Illustrations in two-colour throughout, and a four-colour insert, make vivid each stage of the story, and the beauty of the characters themselves.

About the Author

Cecilia Lindqvist lives in Stockholm and lectures widely. She has just published a book on Chinese music.

Reviews

"Guardian" 7/5/08
"An evocative, compelling celebration of language as a carrier of culture."

"Toronto Globe & Mail" 7/5/08
"[A] delightful cultural and linguistic history."