The Great Wall [Hardcover]

William Lindesay (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1999 | Series: The Genius of China

The Great Wall stretches across north China to the Yellow Sea. It is visible from space and its construction history spans some 1,835 years. This book tells the story of its construction, its purpose and effectiveness and the human toil and sacrifices involved.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

English-born William Lindesay was the first foreigner to traverse the whole length of the Great Wall, in 1987. He recounted his adventure in Alone on the Great Wall (Hodder & Stoughton). He now is with the China Features Department of Xinhua News Agency.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Odyssey Pubns; 2 edition (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9622175988
• ISBN-13: 978-9622175983
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,031,356 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An introduction to China's Great Wall, March 22, 2000

By 

Marien D. Innes (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Great Wall (Hardcover)

I was a little surprised to find "The Great Wall" was only 32 pages long, but once I read it I was not dissapointed with it's content. "The Great Wall" is a close up guide to the building of China's famous wall -- a building project that spanned nearly 2,000 years. The best part of the book was the photgraphs of the remains of the wall. The actual writing does not go into too much detail about the historical building of the wall; it provides a decent introduction to the various periods of building and the styles of various sections of the wall's design. Overall, this is a good introduction book to the Great Wall of China, with excellent photography.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars carefully written, stunningly illustrated and insightful, May 8, 2005

By 

tjalling (mongolia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Great Wall (Images of Asia) (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book by the leading expert on the Great Wall of China. Insightful, well researched and expertly illustrated with stunning photography, many maps and classical documentation relating to the Chinese wall.

In around 100 pages Mr Lindesay clarifies both the historical dimension as well as the contemporary significance and threats to the Great Wall.

His project documenting recent changes and damage to the wall is enlightening; the great Wall is not only disappearing fast but damaged through restoration for commercial exploitation and modern development. His historic and contemporary documentation is a treasure - as is this fine book.

Published by Oxford University Press it is carefully written, beautifully illustrated and an absolute highlight in the prestigious Images of China series.