Customer Reviews

Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City

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2 star:		(1)
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You are in for a treat! To understand China one must understand Beijing. While written by academics it is highly accessible to the lay public - it is MUST READ for anyone who has ever visited Beijing or is contemplating a visit. The photos and color plates are fascinating. It will be of interest to anyone who wishes to understand the culture, food, customs and the multi layered history of Beijing and of China - it also provides a nuanced view of urban planning gone awry in one of the fastest changing cities on the planet.

I found this book tremendously helpful before my first visit to Beijing. It gives perspecitve for all vsitors to the city and puts Beijing in the context of the history of China. Easy to read for the nonacademic, I found this essential to a full appreciation of this remarkable city.

This is a great reference book for historians doing research or for anyone who wants to learn more about Beijing and Chinese history. The book leads you from Beijing's rise as an imperial capital city to its emergence as an Olympic City. Although Beijing's history is long and complicated, the authors have succeeded in the difficult task of putting so much information into a book yet keeping it succinct, interesting, and easy to follow. The fascinating stories of ordinary residents add a personal touch to the book, while the pictures revive many details of the past.

I have been to Beijing many times. But after reading the book, I felt like wanting to go back right away to find out more about this capital city.

Grand events and the life of ordinary--and not so ordinary--people come alive in this very well-written account of Beijing's history. It is not a "guide-book" in the usual understanding of that term: such-and-such can be found at. At the same time, it is a "guide-book" to gaining a feel and an appreciation for one particular city and for the people whose capital it is. In it, one himself/herself lives through the long history of Beijing. Marvelous presentation!

This book has quite a bit of information but lacks the organization to help you navigate or plan your trip. It provides little commentary or opinion.

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