Five-Fold Happiness: Chinese Concepts of Luck, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness, and Wealth [Hardcover]

Vivien Sung (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2002

Surround yourself with lucky objects, the Chinese believe, and good fortune will come to you. In word and image, this exquisite volume-a delight to hold in the hand-explores the bounteous meanings of the five-fold symbols of happiness: luck, prosperity, longevity, happiness, and wealth. Drenched in color and lavishly illustrated from ancient and modern sources, Five-Fold Happiness interweaves both Chinese and English text. Peaches, the number eight, the imperial color of gold, a cat with one paw beckoning, or the dragon dance-here are some of the familiar images now revealed in their rich significance. Whether readers choose to embrace these symbols in their everyday lives or simply enjoy them on these glorious pages, Five-Fold Happiness is altogether auspicious.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Graphic designer Sung's book belongs to the relatively new class of small, sensuously crafted books meant to be pleasing to the hand and eye as well as to the mind. Her contribution to the genre takes for its subject the Chinese concepts of luck, prosperity, happiness, and wealth: she discusses each concept, as well as the varied legends that surround them, in Chinese and English; for each symbol of each concept there are pictograms, photographs, and other illustrations. Sung's distinctive way with design is evident from the delightful, brilliantly red and yellow pages. Her writing is clear and engaging; her subject is too-little understood in the West. Highly recommended for all collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Graphic designer Sung's book belongs to the relatively new class of small, sensuously crafted books meant to be pleasing to the hand and eye as well as to the mind. Her contribution to the genre takes for its subject the Chinese concepts of luck, prosperity, happiness, and wealth: she discusses each concept, as well as the varied legends that surround them, in Chinese and English; for each symbol of each concept there are pictograms, photographs, and other illustrations. Sung's distinctive way with design is evident from the delightful, brilliantly red and yellow pages. her writing is clear and engaging; her subject is too-little understood in the West. Highly recommended for all collections. -Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081183526X
• ISBN-13: 978-0811835268
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #495,316 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I've bought 8 copies already!, September 2, 2002

By 

P. Cheng "3L" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Five-Fold Happiness: Chinese Concepts of Luck, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness, and Wealth (Hardcover)

I'm 2nd generation Chinese-American, and this book is like an encyclopedia to my heritage! I've bought copies for all of my 2nd generation friends. My sisters are using this book to help them teach their children about these fundamental principles of Chinese culture, which otherwise may have been forgotten. Another Chinese-American friend of mine (who grew up in Taiwan) said that she learned so much from this book; many of the Chinese idioms she heard all of her life are now explained, with great accuracy in context and origin. Even my parents (who are from China) were impressed with this book's comprehensive coverage and accuracy. It is also aesthetically striking, from the beautiful cover, to the photos and drawings on nearly every page which complements the storytelling perfectly. What an amazing compilation!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautifully Written and Knowledgable Book. . ., October 1, 2002

By 

"shawniegrrrl" (Bellingham, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Five-Fold Happiness: Chinese Concepts of Luck, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness, and Wealth (Hardcover)

I bought this book without the slightest beginning knowledge of Chinese culture or history. I just thought it looked interesting. Now, I can tell anyone who is interested in this type of book that it was wonderfully illustrated, extremely easy to understand and intensely knowledgeable and helpful. I am in awe of all the "little" things about Chinese history and culture, and this book goes thoroughly through all of it's promised categories with ease of understanding and helpful information.

This is a quick reading book, but is also a very helpful reference tool. I now know what not to give/not give as a gift, and I even know why! It is helpful in what to surround yourself with or others, your home, business, gift giving or for different types of lifestyles or happenings. Five-fold Happiness is a great gift for anyone of any age, or a wonderful read for yourself. I think that anyone who begins this book will finish it over and over again.

Enjoy and Learn!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Symbols explained in context, December 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Five-Fold Happiness: Chinese Concepts of Luck, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness, and Wealth (Hardcover)

Ever look at the art around your favorite Chinese restaurant and the designs on the plates, and wonder if they have a hidden meaning? They do. And Five-Fold Happiness beautifully shows and clearly explains it all. What a reference! Read this, and dazzle your friends with your insights next time you go out for lo mein.