Culture and Customs of Taiwan [Hardcover]

Gary Marvin Davison (Author), Barbara E. Reed (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313302987 | ISBN-13: 978-0313302985 | Publication Date: September 30, 1998

Taiwanese society is in the midst of an immense, exciting effort to define itself, seeking to erect a contemporary identity upon the foundation of a highly distinctive history. This book provides a thorough overview of Taiwanese cultural life. The introduction familiarizes students and interested readers with the island's key geographical and demographic features, and provides a chronological summary of Taiwanese history. In the following chapters, Davison and Reed reveal the uniqueness of Taiwan, and do not present it simply as the laboratory of traditional Chinese culture that some anthropologists of the 1950s through the 1970s sought when mainland China was not accessible. The authors examine how religious devotion in Taiwan is different from China in that the selected deities are those most relevant to the needs of the Taiwanese people. Literature and art, particularly of the 20th century, reflect the Taiwanese quest for identity more than the grand Chinese tradition. The Taiwanese architecture, festivals and leisure activities, music and dance, cuisine and fashion, are also highlighted topics. The final chapter presents the most recent information regarding children and education, and explores the importance of the Taiwanese family in the context of meaningful relationships amongst acquaintances, friends, and institutions that make up the social universe of the Taiwanese. This text is a lively treatment of one of the world's most dynamic societies.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

GARY MARVIN DAVISON has very diverse teaching experiences as he has taught in prison, at four high schools and two universities, and at English-as-a-Second Language institutions in Taiwan, where he has lived for two lengthy periods and where he visits frequently.

BARBARA E. REED teaches in the Religion Department and Asian Studies Program at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 280 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood Press (September 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313302987
• ISBN-13: 978-0313302985
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,434,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #92 in Books > History > Asia > Taiwan

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book, June 14, 2001

By 

THEOCAP (01011001...) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Culture and Customs of Taiwan (Hardcover)

I liked this book very much. I thought that it was informative, and well written. I didn't think that the other review was helpful or made any sense. Thankyou Barbara E.Reed and Gary Marvin Davison for making such good book.

0 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read., August 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Culture and Customs of Taiwan (Hardcover)

I am still waiting for another nice book