Ancient Wisdom: A Chinese Calligrapher's Tale (Capital Discovery) [Hardcover]

PZ Bar (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2001 | Series: Capital Discovery

Through the mythical tale of the young scholar Chu Shui Hu, and more than 60 lyrical calligraphic paintings, "Ancient Wisdom I" is a book for all who yearn for deeper understanding. Hu's patron, Lord Xi Er Gong, challenges him to abandon his headstrong ways and live the ascetic monastic life of the calligrapher, poet and scholar. He is ordered to master this most demanding artistic discipline and compose profound scrolls that will bring accolades to the House of Xi Er Gong. When he rebels, Xi admonishes him. You have yet to learn the great secret of life. Without it, the doors to heaven remain eternally sealed. Thus begins Hu s struggle to gain wisdom and unlock the power of the secret Chi. "Ancient Wisdom I" is a coming-of-age tale for all times.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A delight for the eyes and a salve for the soul as well.” -- —Steve Blount, editorial director, World Publications

"Highly recommended for students of Eastern philosophy and Chinese wisdom...a unique and inspiring book." -- Wisconsin Bookwatch

The beautiful brushwork that accompanies the text illustrates the magical merging of ancient symbols, graceful skill, and spirit.” -- —Janell Cannon, creator of Stellaluna, Verdi, and Crickwing

“A ‘quiet’ read of subtle wisdom and delightful instruction on the calligrapher’s art." -- —Clarice Smith, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, College Park

About the Author

PZBar is the pseudonym of Philip Z. Trupp, who has spent decades exploring the world, studying ancient languages, art, poetry, natural history, and Chinese calligraphy.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Capital Books (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892123452
• ISBN-13: 978-1892123459
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,346,309 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Phil Trupp (Washington, DC) is a veteran investigative journalist, and the author of many books, including Sea Of Dreamers and Tracking Treasure. Tracking Treasure was widely reviewed and excerpted in publications. He is a regular commentator for New York Times Dealbook and New York Magazine Online. He also contributes twice a week to www.auctionrateprefereds.org- the top site on ARS. As Assistant Bureau Chief of Fairchild Publications/ABC Cap Cities Washington Bureau, he covered every major federal agency, including the White House, Pentagon, NASA, Commerce, the Federal Reserve, and the Supreme Court. Trupp was an editor, writer and co-creator of "VISTA" magazine, published by Volunteers in Service to America. He has produced journalism for "Reader's Digest", and his story on coal mine safety was entered into to the Congressional Record. He lectures on "The Future of Journalism" at American and Georgetown Universities.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful Journey, July 16, 2001

By 

Tracy Rhodes (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancient Wisdom: A Chinese Calligrapher's Tale (Capital Discovery) (Hardcover)

I really loved reading this lovely story and enjoyed the calligraphy. To get into the Chinese mind is more and more important every day. Not everyone will get the idea of this book, but most people will. And with the Olympics being in China, we need to try to understand our global neighbors.

I have read the story twice now and liked it even more the second time.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Western Eye Meets Eastern Jewel, July 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Ancient Wisdom: A Chinese Calligrapher's Tale (Capital Discovery) (Hardcover)

As one who has grown up in the Chinese tradition, I was amazed to find a Western mind so sensitive to my world. Ancient Wisdom is a rare gem from an author/calligrapher who has captured the essentials of my culture and has created an elegant calligraphy in the spirit of the the Chinese "character." The ancient forms, seen through a Western eye, mark a pathway to mutual understanding so important in today's "global village." An outstanding achievement!

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and inspiring book, October 9, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ancient Wisdom: A Chinese Calligrapher's Tale (Capital Discovery) (Hardcover)

Ancient Wisdom I: The Mythical Tale of the Scholar Chu Shui Hu is a fable of Chinese calligraphy, philosophy and wisdom brought to brilliant life for a Western audience. Scholar Chu Shui Hu embarks on a spiritual journey, using calligraphy as his path of metamorphosis, for his mentor has charged him to find "the greatest secret of Chinese life." Each page spread of Ancient Wisdom I shows a Chinese calligraphic character on the left, with its definition offered in a sidebar, and a short passage of prose illuminating the scholar's struggle on the right. Highly recommended for students of Eastern philosophy and Chinese wisdom, Ancient Wisdom I is a unique and inspiring book.