Qigong—a regimen of body, breath, and mental training exercises—was one of the most widespread cultural and religious movements of late-twentieth-century urban China. The practice was promoted by senior Communist Party leaders as a uniquely Chinese healing tradition and as a harbinger of a new scientific revolution, yet the movement's mass popularity and the almost religious devotion of its followers led to its ruthless suppression. In this absorbing and revealing book, David A. Palmer relies on a combination of historical, anthropological, and sociological perspectives to describe the spread of the qigong craze and its reflection of key trends that have shaped China since 1949, including the search for a national identity and an emphasis on the absolute authority of science. Qigong offered the promise of an all-powerful technology of the body rooted in the mysteries of Chinese culture. However, after 1995 the scientific underpinnings of qigong came under attack, its leaders were denounced as charlatans, and its networks of followers, notably Falungong, were suppressed as "evil cults." According to Palmer, the success of the movement proves that a hugely important religious dimension not only survived under the CCP but was actively fostered, if not created, by high-ranking party members. Tracing the complex relationships among the masters, officials, scientists, practitioners, and ideologues involved in qigong, Palmer opens a fascinating window on the transformation of Chinese tradition as it evolved along with the Chinese state. As he brilliantly demonstrates, the rise and collapse of the qigong movement is key to understanding the politics and culture of post-Mao society.

Qigong Fever: Body, Science, and Utopia in China

Health, Fitness & Dieting

David A. Palmer

Exercise & Fitness

Columbia University Press

Hb Applied Thermodynamics

In Search of Cumorah is one of the most significant books ever to be published on the Book of Mormon. It asserts that the location where the Nephites fought their final battle, the "hill Cumorah," may actually be el Cerro Vigia, a site located near Mexico's Isthmus of Tehuantepec, just inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Using many of the archaeological discoveries made in Mexico during recent decades as its guide, the book presents extensive evidence to support its hypothesis.

In Search of Cumorah: New Evidences for the Book of Mormon from Ancient Mexico

Horizon Publishers

In Search of Cumorah is one of the most significant books ever to be published on the Book of Mormon. It asserts that the location where the Nephites fought their final battle, the hill Cumorah, may actually be el Cerro Vig a, a site located near Mexico s Isthmus of Tehuantepec, just inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Using many of the archaeological discoveries made in Mexico during recent decades as its guide, the book presents extensive evidence to support its hypothesis. Not only is a significant case made for the identity of el Cerro Vig a, but numerous sites in Central America are also identified as important cities in Book of Mormon times. The Cumorah of New York state is identified as Moroni s Cumorah, where Moroni finally deposited the place which were later uncovered and translated by Joseph Smith. The author makes a clear and convincing case for the belief that this area is not the same hill as Mormon s Cumorah, where the last Nephite defense was staged. Here, at least, is a well-written book that makes a carefully documented, well-reasoned proposal for the exact location of Book of Mormon geography. The precise correlations shown between archaeological evidences and Book of Mormon history are certain to strengthen the faith and testimony of every Latter-day Saint seeking new light on this important subject.

In Search of Cumorah

Horizon Publishers: an imprint of Cedar Fort Inc.

Qigong Fever (CERI)

History

Asia

C. Hurst & Co. Publishers Ltd.

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Books by David A. Palmer