Chinese Proverbs [Hardcover]

Ruthanne Lum (Compiler), Hu Yong Yi (Illustrator), K. L. Kiu (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2002

This beautifully illustrated volume collects more than 50 traditional Chinese proverbs in an irresistible treasury of timeless folk wisdom. Each proverb-presented in both Chinese and English-offers classic advice and keen observation on subjects ranging from affection (A good friend shields you from the storm) to common sense (Do not climb a tree for fish) to the hardest lessons (The eyes are wide but the stomach is narrow). Charming illustrations by Hu Yong Yi bring the proverbs to life, and an insightful introduction illuminates their history and significance. Witty, wise, and utterly delightful, Chinese Proverbs is the perfect gift for those seeking guidance with good humor.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Chinese --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Hu Yong Yi is a Hong Kong-based painter whose work has been exhibited in the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong, and China.

K.L. Kiu is a distinguished Chinese translator and linguist. She lives in North Carolina.

Ruthanne Lum McCunn is the author of numerous novels, including The Moon Pearl and Thousand Pieces of Gold . She lives in San Francisco.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (December 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811836835
• ISBN-13: 978-0811836838
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #312,096 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ruthanne Lum McCunn, an Eurasian of Chinese and Scottish descent, was hailed by the Dallas Times in 1985 as "an American-Chinese author of remarkable talent." Her work, which has won many awards, has been translated into eleven languages, published in twenty-two countries, and adapted for the stage and film.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Faithfully translated proverbs, August 19, 2005

By 

Asian mom (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Chinese Proverbs (Hardcover)

This is a great collection of proverbs. The accompanying art is both clever and charming.

The proverbs are so well translated that no additional explanations regarding the proverbs are provided or needed -- they would only serve to clutter up the page. Most importantly the translations preserve the original "flavor" of each proverb.

Each proverb is written in both English and in traditional Chinese characters.

I own a few books of Chinese Proverbs. This is by far the prettiest and most charming.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for a coffee table book, October 6, 2007

By 

InsultinSultan (Baltimore, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chinese Proverbs (Hardcover)

Just a quick note to add to the other reviews. This can be read in one sitting. It's a good coffee table book, nice printing and good art, but if you want a serious book of Chinese wisdom, pick another. This would be a very nice gift to someone with a surface interest in the subject.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Crows are black the world over", March 12, 2004

By 

WhatTheDormouseSaid (everywhere) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chinese Proverbs (Hardcover)

This is by no means a scholarly book with pages or single-spaced, tiny printed proverbs. It's a fun little book with cute illustrations that makes it child and adult friendly.