Swallowing Clouds: A Playful Journey Through Chinese Culture, Language, and Cuisine (Paperback)

~ (Author) "CHINESE CHARACTERS FASCINATE many people..." (more)
Key Phrases: jiu niang, swallowing clouds, spring bamboo shoots, United States, Hong Kong, Woman Song (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Wonton, which transliterates in Chinese as "swallowing clouds," gives title to this delightful mix of Chinese etymology, cooking, and culture. Zee, also author of An Old Man's Toy: Gravity at Work and Play ( LJ 3/1/89), invites the reader to learn written Chinese through food characters. He explains the pictorial origin of characters for fire, water, and others as they reappear in dozens of dishes. Playfully retold folk stories, such as the ten sayings of the fist drinking game, add verbal spice. Compared with James McCawley's The Eater's Guide to Chinese Characters (Univ. of Chicago Pr. 1984), with its list of word equivalents, Zee's book coaxes with the lively example, humor, and repetition of a good teacher. Recommended for people who enjoy Chinese food, as well as those who want a taste of the Chinese language.
-Elizabeth A. Teo, Moraine Valley Community Coll. Lib., Palos Hills, Ill.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"...Zee steps outside his specialty to write about his true loves--Chinese cooking, language, and culture." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A truly delightful literary compendium of wit, wisdom, and how-to. . . ." -- Newsday

"Charming. . . a study of the very nature of Chinese culture." -- Anne Tyler, Washington Post Book World

"The most delightful food book of the year. . . a happy blending of instruction and amusement. . ." -- Minneapolis Star-Tribune

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 378 pages
• Publisher: University of Washington Press; 1 edition (March 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0295981911
• ISBN-13: 978-0295981918
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #778,454 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Intelligent Guide to Chinese Cuisine and Culture, April 1, 2000

By	t. goh (Sydney, New South Wales Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swallowing Clouds (Paperback)

A. Zee has written a very intelligent book on the finer aspects of Chinese cuisine explained with easy to understand Chinese names, their gastronomic connections and the cultural implications. Zee beautifully intertwined food with history, poetry and language. He has spiced his topics with true life stories like a famous Chinese poet eating the poisonous Fugu (puffer fish) and proclaiming it was worthwhile dying for. Truly an inspirational and accomplished work, cerebral and delightful. A must for all who love Chinese food.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an accessible intro to the chinese language and cuisine., September 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Swallowing Clouds (Hardcover)

before picking up Swallowing Clouds the Chinese language seemed to me to be completely impenetrable. now, thanks to Swallowing Clouds and the insights it provides, i am frequently able to recognize characters wherever i go, but most notably on the menus in Chinese restaurants. needless to say, my dining companions are always interested in the little insights i can tell them about their meals that i learned from Swallowing Clouds. This book is utterly delightful, engaging and fun--it's one of my favourites, and it's near impossible to put down. it's perfect for anyone who's ever picked up a Chinese menu and scratched their head at what intially appears to be a complex and intimidating language.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorite books of all time, September 8, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Swallowing Clouds (Hardcover)

I first read Swallowing Clouds 12 years ago and it started me on the endlessly fascinating hobby of learning to read Chinese characters. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in Chinese culture, cuisine, and history. Dr. Zee's effortlessly entertaining, yet thoroughly knowledgeable, style will entrance the neophyte as well as the seasoned scholar.