This timely book chronicles the history of Hong Kong from its misty beginnings to the present day. The territory's unique and turbulent political and economic development form the backdrop to a still more compelling and human story. The essence of The Hong Kong Story is the interwoven sagas of the family dynasties and business houses - vital ingredients in transforming the `barren rock' into a miracle city state. These families were by no means all British and Chinese: by the mid-nineteenth century Hong Kong was already a cosmopolitan city with a prominent American contingent. It is the collective spirit of these nationalities - grit, optimism, practicality, ruthlessness, generosity, resilience - that lies at the heart of modern Hong Kong's unique East-West chemistry. The book follows the waxing and waning fortunes of these dynasties and entrepreneurs through the convulsions of the Opium Wars, the collapse of imperial China, Japanese occupation, mass immigration, communist takeover in China, the Cultural Revolution, frequent booms and busts, and the approach of `one country, two systems'. It a fascinating story of how human enterprise, rising above ethnic divides, has endowed a coastal enclave in Asia with not only unimaginable riches but a unique identity.

The Hong Kong Story

History

Courtauld, Caroline

Holdsworth, May

Asia

Oxford University Press

This is an oral history of expatriates in Hong Kong during the last years of British sovereignty and the first few years of Chinese rule.

Foreign Devils: Expatriates in Hong Kong

Shows and describes Hong Kong, recommends hotels and restaurants, and discusses festivals, shopping, nightlife, entertainment, and sightseeing

Hong Kong (CHINA GUIDES SERIES)

Travel

Hunt, Jill

Ottiger, Lisa

NTC Pub. Group

Briefly decribes the history and culture of Burma, identifies points of interest, and offers advice on shopping, dining, entertainment, and travel.

Burma : Asia's Secret Treasure Trove : a Complete Guide

Passport Books

Hong Kong (China Guides Series)

China Guides

Ram, Jane

Nanjing, Wuxi, Suzhou and Jiangsu Province: Land of Lakes and Classical Gardens (CHINA GUIDES SERIES)

Holledge, Simon

The Forbidden City : The Great Within

I.B.Tauris

Thousands lived in the Forbidden City when it was imperial China's center of power and the world's most extravagant palace. With the exception of the eunuchs, only one of those thousands was an adult male--the emperor himself. From 1420 to 1912, the occupant of the dragon throne within this palace determined the fate of China and, indeed, of Asia. Here history was made. In 1405, when emperor and architect Yongle planned the city of Beijing, he decreed that it be laid out in accordance with his astrologer's symbolic conception, with open space and buildings corresponding to specific parts of the human body. The high, vermilion palace walls, by keeping the emperor hidden, enhanced his mystique and glory. The location of the Forbidden City itself is linked to the position of the Pole Star. This chronicle richly blends history, anecdotal narrative, biographical portraits and illustrations and takes the reader through 500 years of life in imperial China. The Forbidden City's supreme political significance is described through the main events of an emperor's ceremonial life. Drawing on the reminiscences of palace eunuchs and maidservants, The Forbidden City evokes the secret, stultifying world of the Inner Court, where the emperor and his concubines lived their private lives until the impact of the West eventually led to the collapse of the glittering, corrupt court. Having also created a documentary film on the Forbidden City, the authors gathered previously inaccessible materials from historical archives in Beijing, malting this a truly unique and insightful work. Photographer Hu Chui breathes life into the structures of the Forbidden City; along with a wealth of treasures and paintings collected during imperial times. * Introduction by pre-eminent China scholar Jonathan Spence * Beautifully illustrated with photographs, paintings and artwork * Archival black and white photographs * Draws on previously inaccessible information in Beijing * Explores the lifestyles behind the Forbidden City's walls * Extensive quotes from early days, including views from palace maids and eunuchs * Detailed map of the Forbidden City's layout * Explains the rich history of the home of the Chinese emperor

The Forbidden City

Chui, Hu

Odyssey Books & Maps

An isolated and remote country, unspoiled by mass tourism, Burma is for the traveler, not the average tourist. This guide takes its readers to the far corners of this little-known country. Travel the great Ayeyarwady River to Kipling's Mandalay, the last of Burma's royal capitals, and explore exotic Inle Lake whose inhabitants live on floating islands overgrown with flowers and lush vegetation. And, of course, meet the people of this richly varied land, from the northern hill tribes to the amiable Burmans themselves. This fully revised and lavishly illustrated second edition intelligently evokes the magic and the mystery of what was once the richest nation in Asia. Fully revised second edition. Takes the reader to the far corners of this remote country. Extensive illustrations include fascinating archival material. Detailed background on the history, religion and people of Burma. Personal observations from an author who knows the country extremely well. Indispensable practical information. Evokes the magic and mystery of what was once Asia's richest nation.

Burma (Myanmar, Odyssey Guides)

Regional map of Mekong River featuring Cambodia, China provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Mekong Source to Sea strip map. Comprehensive notes with cultural and historical info on key places and people.

Mekong River: from Source to Sea

Reference

Atlases & Maps

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Books by Courtauld, Caroline