| Title: | It's All Chinese to Me |
| Subtitle: | An Illustrated Overview of Culture and Etiquette in China |
| Authors: | Pierre Ostrowski & Gwen Penner |
| ISBN: | 978-0-9784409-4-7 |
| Size: | 6 X 9.25 |
| Pages: | 208 |
| Format: | Softcover, 4 color cover, index, bibliography |
| Category: | Travel / Business / Culture |
| Retail Price: | $18.95 CAN |
| CIP: | DS706.087 2008 951 C2007-907645-9 |
| Season: | Spring 2008 |
| Available: | January 2, 2008 |
NEWS RELEASE: (back to top)
It's All Chinese To Me
An Illustrated Overview of Culture and Etiquette in China
Publication Date: January 2008
"Just in time for the upcoming summer Olympics in Beijing, China: August, 2008"
Contact: Ellerey Haley
Tel: 1-204 422-6936
Ste. Anne, MB
info@alloutpress.com
PICTURE YOURSELF IN CHINA
With a population of 1.2 billion and climbing, China is the most populated country in the world. Despite this fact, what does the average North American know about China and its culture? The answer to this question is: “Very little”.
For thousands of years, China has been a source of both mystery and fascination for the rest of the world. In recent years, China has emerged as a global military and economic powerhouse. Since 1985, trade between the US and China has risen a whopping 3,500%. As a result, China is poised to surpass Germany as the world’s third largest economy behind Japan and the US. And yet, the average North American is largely unaware of cultural differences that exist between China and the rest of the world. As interactions between East and West increase rapidly, the need to build bridges of understanding between these different culture groups is paramount.
It’s All Chinese to Me: An Illustrated Overview of Culture and Etiquette in China is written with the intention of demystifying the world’s oldest civilization. Packed with information, it provides comprehensive insight into Chinese culture in a unique and fascinating way. With over 230 illustrations, it is the only fully illustrated overview of Chinese culture available anywhere.
Covering a number of topics including history, politics, education, religion, business and various Chinese idiosyncrasies, this book offers the reader thorough understanding of Chinese culture in a highly readable format. The illustrations create graphic impressions that provide a dynamic reading experience for readers from all walks of life. With the Summer Olympics scheduled for August 2008 in China, this book is timed perfectly to coincide with the general interest in Chinese culture that will be generated by this event.
With over ten years experience living in Asia, the authors have considerable insight into life behind the “bamboo curtain”. Drawing from this experience, they have created a one of a kind look at one of the most fascinating civilizations in the world.
AUTHORS BIO: (back to top)
It's All Chinese to Me
An Illustrated Overview of Culture and Etiquette in China
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Pierre Ostrowski is a Canadian who left the frozen North for Asia in 1996. He has spent his time in Asia teaching English, studying languages and travelling as much as possible. From 2003 – 2007, he studied Chinese at Providence University in Taichung, Taiwan. In addition, he spent his leisure hours studying Chinese cuisine and perfecting his Ma Pou Doufu recipe.
A self-described “China Buff”, he enjoys all things Chinese. His favourite food is Chinese dumplings, his favourite subject at university was Chinese history and his all time favourite activity is riding motorcycle to Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan and practicing his Chinese speaking skills at every opportunity.
Although he has travelled to over twenty countries in Asia and elsewhere, some of his fondest memories are related to China. He loves the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. He also enjoys the memory of riding around Beijing’s historic “hutong” area on a rattletrap Chinese bicycle. Finally, and as far as he's concerned, there's nothing quite as sublime as sitting on a remote section of The Great Wall of China and watching it snake off into infinity over rolling hills of green…the perfect Chinese moment.
Gwen Penner is an artist extraordinaire. A graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) program, she is the recipient of numerous awards in painting, drawing and printmaking. Her first love is painting and when she was asked to illustrate this book she was initially reluctant. Once Gwen committed to the undertaking however, her enthusiasm was unbridled. Sometimes averaging an incredible ten drawings per day, she completed the bulk of this project in less than six weeks.
Gwen’s input into this book goes far beyond mere illustrations. As Pierre’s long time spousal associate, she too has spent the last several years living in Asia. An inquisitive person, always wanting to learn about anything and everything, Gwen has a profound understanding of Chinese culture. Much of what she knows comes from countless discussions she’s had with her numerous Chinese friends and associates in China and Taiwan. Her insight into the intricacies of Chinese culture comes through in the many subtle nuances she incorporates into her drawing.
Gwen has a number of interests related to Chinese culture. She loves reading and discussing anything about Buddhism and Taoism. She is also fond of travelling throughout China and talking to the locals to find out their interpretation of what it means to be Chinese. Finally, she's convinced that traditional Chinese paintings have mystical qualities and offer glimpses into heaven. (back to top)
