Mao the scholar
Most people are under the impression that Mao is a coarse and illiterate leader, perhaps because of his round and big Hunan facial features. That…
A point of view – Martyrs and Tricksters
This 2019 book on the Egyptian revolution of 2011 does not pretend to be objective. It takes a polemical approach . The author supports his…
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The Old Summer Palace – China’s Lost Imperial Garden: The World’s Most Exquisite Garden Rediscovered
This is a beautifully illustrated book on all the buildings and gardens of the Old Summer Palace. Known in Chinese as Yuan Ming Yuan (…
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Wonderful essays – Jottings under Lamplight
If you have read the wonderful collection of short fiction by Lu Xun translated by Julia Lovell and published by Penguin Classic you will enjoy…
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Beautiful book– Captain Cook and the Pacific: Art, Exploration and Empire
A beautifully illustrated book. One can find many gems in this book. All 3 voyages are explored fully from the social and historical angles.
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A gripping story – The Qing Empire and the Opium War: The Collapse of the Heavenly Dynasty
Mao has written an interesting book based on Chinese and Japanese sources, but it does not deserve 5 stars { not the fault of Mao}…
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Whodunnit – Midnight in Peking: The Murder That Haunted the Last Days of Old China
Inspired by a footnote in a bio of Edgar Snow of Red Star over China fame, French tracked down newspapers from archives in Peking, Shanghai,…
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A brief description – Following Hadrian: A Second-Century Journey Through the Roman Empire
If you are looking for an introductory book on Hadrian and his travels which is written in an easy-going style this book is for you.…
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Good reportage – Into the Hands of the Soldiers: Freedom and Chaos in Egypt and the Middle East
This book by an international correspondent for the NYT is a ground – level reporting of the events and leaders involved in the toppling of…
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Beautiful coffee table book – The Longest Day
This is an illustrated edition published for the 70th anniversary of D-day. Its strengths are that it contains the entire text of the original book,…
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Provoking book – Misquoting Muhammad: The Challenge and Choices of Interpreting the Prophet’s Legacy
Ac Brown is a practising Muslim who can read Arabic. His book is learned and covers many areas and issues that would interest believers and…
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