Asia Books - Page 4

Walking the Bible: A Journey by Land Through the Five Books of Moses

Bruce Feiler

Amazon Price: $18.98 List Price: $26.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: William Morrow Amazon Marketplace: 107 new & used starting at $0.01

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Ancient -> General
Subjects -> History -> Ancient -> General AAS
Subjects -> History -> Asia -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 91 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

One part adventure story, one part archaeological detective work, one part spiritual exploration, Walking the Bible vividly recounts an inspiring personal odyssey -- by foot, jeep, rowboat, and camel -- through the greatest stories ever told.

Feeling a desire to reconnect to the Bible, award-winning author Bruce Feller set out on a perilous, ten-thousand-mile journey, retracing the Five Books of Moses through the desert. Traveling through three continents, five countries, and four war zones, Feller is the first person to complete such a historic expedition. He crosses the Red Sea, climbs Mount Sinai, and interviews bedouin and pilgrims alike, as he attempts to answer the question: Is the Bible just an abstraction or is it a living, breathing entity?

Along with renowned archaeologist Avner Goren, Feller treks through Turkey, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Egypt, the Sinai, and Jordan, visiting the actual places of some of history's most storied events, from the mountain where Noah's ark landed to the site of the legendary burning bush. He visits the desert outpost in Turkey where Abraham first heard the words of God and faces arrest while camping on Mount Nebo in Jordan, where Moses overlooked the Promised Land. In each Place, he scrupulously gathers the latest archaeological research and sits down to read the stories in their natural surroundings. With eloquence and insight, he explores how geography affects the larger narrative of the Bible and ultimately realizes how much these places -- and his experience -- have affected his own faith.

Both a pulse-pounding adventure and an uplifting spiritual quest, Bruce Feller's Walking the Bible is a stunning and elevating work of courage, scholarship, and heart. It revisits the inscrutable desert landscape where the world's great religions were born and uncovers fresh answers to the most profound questions of the human spirit.

Greek Islands (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

List Price: $25.00 By: DK Travel Amazon Marketplace: 26 new & used starting at $3.82

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Europe -> Greece -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Turkey -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Turkey -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

LOVED IT!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Loved the book! Had all of the infomration that we needed. Book was loaded with history, maps, key points of interest and interesting facts. It was an excellent guide for us as we toured the greek islands and gave us the best and key points to visit which helped us use our time most efficiently. Loved the Greek islands!

Overall, we got a lot of use out of our book and I would HIGHLY reccomend it!

Greek Islands 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

DK Eyewitness travel guides are the best on the market and this one does not disappoint.

Editorial Review:

Eyewitness Travel Guides are the original illustrated travel guidebooks-and they're still the best. Since 1993, the Eyewitness brand has established itself as one of the industry leaders, with sales of more than 6.5 million copies in the U.S. alone. Featuring more than 70 worldwide destinations, new titles are being added to the best-selling Eyewitness Travel Guides series each year. In 2003, to mark the 10th anniversary of the publication of Eyewitness Travel Guides, DK is re-launching the entire series, fully updated, and with a brand-new look.

Japan (Country Guide)

Chris Rowthorn

Amazon Price: $19.13 List Price: $28.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Lonely Planet Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $15.95

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Japan -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Japan -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 30 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Don't buy this book 1 out of 5 stars.
7 of 9 people found this review helpful.

We've travelled all over the world using Lonely Planet guide books, and we've had a great experience with them. The Japan book on the other hand was the most useless guide book I have ever seen. We would arrive in a bustling part of Tokyo, open the book, and it would say, "just walk around, everything is good." I didn't spend $25 on a guidebook for that. The whole book seemed lazy, there were maps printed upside down, sights they write about and don't place on their maps and the most amazing things we did in Kyoto weren't in the book, we learned about them through our hostile. If you are going to Japan, don't buy this book, I would have preferred to have no book at all because I spent so much time frustrated at this book.

Editorial Review:

Discover Japan

Dodge flying fish at the world's greatest sashimi market, p. 132
Find yourself spirited away to Miyazaki's museum of anime, p. 141
Master the perfect double-clap and bow for your first shrine visit, p.56
Earn your keep in a Buddhist temple, p. 417

In This Guide:

Japan resident authors, 343 days of research, 120 detailed maps, three geisha sightings
You asked for it, we researched it - everything you need to know about onsen (hot springs) and skiing and more language assistance than ever
Cost-saving tips even the locals don't know

Seven Years in Tibet

Heinrich Harrer

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tarcher Amazon Marketplace: 198 new & used starting at $0.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Historical -> General
Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Historical -> General AAS
Subjects -> History -> Asia -> China -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 84 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A personal quest for spirituality in the Himalayas becomes a classic book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Adventurous, curious. The books reads like a biography, a travel book, a cultural study. Little by little, slowly, the culture of the distant mountains seeps into the reader's mind to open a welcome window on spirituality.

Seven Years in Tibet 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

'Seven Years in Tibet' is a classic, to place it into historical context here is a "Brief History of Tibetan Travel Literature":

Prior to 1783, the only Westerners to travel to and write about Tibet were a few Jesuit priests and adventurers [[two early narratives are collected in Clements Markham, ed. Narratives of the Mission of George Bogle to Tibet and of the Journey of Thomas Manning to Lhasa (1876)]]. These accounts were enough to spark European interest in the region but were too whimsical for ambitious colonialists who had grander designs in need of more specific information. Thus it is not surprising Tibet in 1792 closed its borders to Westerners: a 1783 British East India Company expedition had raised suspicions of Englands imperial intentions. Tibet became "The Forbidden Land", and for the entire 19th century - although many tried - only 3 Westerners reached the capital Lhasa, thus furthering its mystique. By 1904 the British - intending to finally establish diplomatic relations - sent an armed expedition under Francis Younghusband to Lhasa. It was successful, but bloody, causing international outrage [[newspaper reporter Edmund Chandler was there and wrote an account The Unveiling of Lhasa (1905), as were a number of other books by participants. Travel writer Peter Fleming wrote a "full account" in Bayonets to Lhasa: The First Full Account of the British Invasion of the Tibet in 1904) (1961)]]. Kipling's novel Kim (1901) was popular at the time, and it includes a romantic portrayal of a Tibetan lama which fueled imaginations of all-wise spiritual beings, but instead Younghusband found a reality of poverty and "feudal" backwardness.

After Younghusband's 1904 "gunboat" diplomatic mission, Tibet did allow a few British representatives in, but a steady tide of western trespassers kept coming [[as described in Peter Hopkirk's Trespassers on the Roof of the World The Secret Exploration of Tibet (1983)]]. Some of the more notable include Frenchwoman Alexandra David-Neel who in 1923 disguised herself as a beggar and reached Lhasa [[ My Journey to Lhasa (1927)]] - in the same year American William Montgomery McGovern also made it to Lhasa using the same trick [[ To Lhasa in Disguise (1924)]]. By the 1930s modernity had started to make inroads, Tibet's aristocracy began to look outward, the borders were more fluid, and more well known personalities were writing about it in less Shangri-La cliches, notably Robert Byron [[ First Russia, Then Tibet (1933)]], Marco Palli [[ Peaks and Lamas (1939)]], and Fosoco Maraini [[ Secret Tibet (1952)]]. By the time Heinrich Harrer arrived in 1944 Tibet had only 6 years left before the Chinese Communists would invade and a new type of curtain would fall over The Forbidden Land. Harrer's 'Seven Years in Tibet' marks the end of "Old Tibet" (as a nation, and a western "secret land" literary tradition), and the start of a new contemporary era more focused on human rights, indigenous peoples and post-colonialism.

'Seven Years in Tibet' is foremost a great adventure story, National Geographic ranks it #20 in its list of all time best Outdoor/Adventure Literature. Some of the works mentioned in this review are also great adventure tales (David-Neel's book ranks at #55), but what sets Seven Years apart is that Harrer had a personal relationship with the Dalai Lama, the first Westerner to ever do so. The Dalai Lama is now a world figure but it was Harrer who first introduced him to the outside as his personal tutor. They remained close friends for life and it is probably no accident that after Harrer died in 2006 the Dalai Lama announced his "retirement" in 2007, a sort of symbolic closure with the West. In any case, although Harrer was not the first Westerner to reach or write about Lhasa, his war-time adventure and friendship with the Dalai Lama sets this account apart as not only great exploration/travel literature, but an important record of Tibet just before its fall to the Communists, and a history of the early life of the still living Dalai Lama.

Editorial Review:

A German author and mountaineer recounts his escape into Tibet during the Second World War, and his subsequent acceptance into the Tibetan upper class and friendship with the Dalai Lama. Reprint. Movie tie-in. 50,000 first printing. One Spirit Alt."

Beijing and Shanghai (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

DK Publishing

Amazon Price: $15.64 List Price: $23.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: DK Travel Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $9.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> China -> Beijing
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> China -> Shanghai
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> China -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

These two fascinating cities reflect different aspects of China - Beijing is the traditional capital, the seat of political power and home to the ancient monuments of Imperial China; Shanghai is both a financial powerhouse and a city at the cutting edge of fashion with an interesting modern history. This DK Eyewitness Travel Guide provides in-depth coverage of these cities, including Beijing's Great Wall and Forbidden City, Shanghai's Bund and the French Concession, as well as the water towns of Suzhou and Hangzhou, graced with serene and timeless gardens and lakes. Explore China's cultural heritage through richly illustrated features - on everything from Beijing Opera to Confucianism, Chinese Gardens and the Cultural Revolution. Illustrated food features highlight the differing regional cuisines, and resident China experts have provided detailed listings of the best places to stay and eat. Specially devised walking tours take you easily to the heart of these bustling, enigmatic and ultimately bewitching cities.

India - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette

Nicki Grihault

Amazon Price: $9.95 List Price: $9.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Kuperard Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $5.10

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General
Subjects -> Reference -> Etiquette -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> India -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Culture Smart! provides essential information on attitudes, beliefs and behavior in different countries, ensuring that you arrive at your destination aware of basic manners, common courtesies, and sensitive issues. These concise guides tell you what to expect, how to behave, and how to establish a rapport with your hosts. This inside knowledge will enable you to steer clear of embarrassing gaffes and mistakes, feel confident in unfamiliar situations, and develop trust, friendships, and successful business relationships.

Culture Smart! offers illuminating insights into the culture and society of a particular country. It will help you to turn your visit-whether on business or for pleasure-into a memorable and enriching experience. Contents include:

* customs, values, and traditions
* historical, religious, and political background
* life at home
* leisure, social, and cultural life
* eating and drinking
* do's, don'ts, and taboos
* business practices
* communication, spoken and unspoken

"Culture Smart has come to the rescue of hapless travellers." Sunday Times Travel

"... the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries." Global Travel

"...full of fascinating-as well as common-sense-tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas." Observer

"...as useful as they are entertaining." Easyjet Magazine

"...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world." New York Times

The Rough Guide to Japan Fourth Edition (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

Jan Dodd, Simon Richmond

Amazon Price: $19.13 List Price: $28.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Rough Guides Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $15.69

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Japan -> General
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> Japan -> General AAS
Subjects -> Travel -> Asia -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent - Makes planning very easy (unlike Lonely Planet) 5 out of 5 stars.
18 of 18 people found this review helpful.

I have been dissapointed with Lonely Planet over the last few years.

So I again bought both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. This is my last time, from now on Rough Guide it is.

The best thing about the guide is that it organizes information in a way that makes planning very easy. Overview of country, overview of region, overview of town. I planned my two week trip in a matter of hours.

Lonely Planet, in contrast, essentially lists places, one after the other. Unless you follow one of their 5-8 itineraries, the only way you plan your trip is reading the book cover-to-cover.

Also, a friend of mine lived in Japan for 10 years. All the tips he gave me were in the Rough Guide.

Editorial Review:

The Rough Guide to Japan provides invaluable advice on everything from getting there (including overland routes) to tracking down the latest and best places to sleep, eat, drink and shop. There is comprehensive coverage of all the major sights – and many off the beaten track - from the northern tip of Hokkaido down to the islands of Okinawa, closer to Taiwan than Tokyo. Full-colour sections introduce manga and anime, arguably Japan’s most successful cultural export, its rich variety of festivals and its stunning traditional gardens. All this is accompanied by in-depth coverage of Japan’s history, religions, arts, movies and music plus a discussion of environmental issues. There are maps of all the main towns and tourist destinations, together with separate colour maps of the Tokyo subway system and the rail network in Osaka.

Real Thai: The Best of Thailand's Regional Cooking

Nancie McDermott

Amazon Price: $15.95 List Price: $15.95 By: Chronicle Books Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $0.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking -> General
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking -> General AAS
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> Asian -> Thai

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Thai Cookbook 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is the best Thai cookbook I have found in the States, and makes the most authentic tasting recipes. Someone complained that surely it must not be authentic because of the lack of dried shrimp in the som tam and pad thai recipes. Well...while dried shrimp is normal in pad thai, it is not always included in som tam. I miss Thai food after having lived there for many years, and this is the only recipe book I've found that can reproduce my favorites and give me the taste of Thai food (which you don't find in many Thai restaurants!). Not 100% of the recipes are perfect, but they are by far and away close enough and you can adjust seasoning. The larp recipe is awesome. This is the one Thai cookbook I recommend to friends who want to do some Thai cooking.

Editorial Review:

Nancie McDermott, widely regarded as the American expert on Thai cooking, offers a clear, straightforward approach to dishes that many Westerners have tasted only in restaurants. In Real Thai, she demystifies once and for all every aspect of this flavorful, healthy cuisine. Organized geographically by region, over 100 tempting, easy-to-follow recipes explore not only dishes that may be familiar to Americans, such as Chicken Coconut Soup and Pork Satay, but also lesser-known local specialties such as Crab Cakes with Cilantro Paste, Fish with Yellow Curry Steamed in Banana Leaves, Sticky Rice with Mangoes, and Son-in-Law Eggs. Including advice on basic utensils and techniques, a glossary of ingredients, a list of shopping sources, and a section of suggested menus, this is the definitive guide for novice and expert alike to the diverse flavors of a regional Asian cuisine that is rapidly becoming an international favorite.

Real Thai: The Best of Thailand's Regional Cooking

Nancie McDermott

Amazon Price: $15.95 List Price: $15.95 By: Chronicle Books Amazon Marketplace: 34 new & used starting at $0.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking -> General
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Baking -> General AAS
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Regional & International -> Asian -> Thai

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Thai Cookbook 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This is the best Thai cookbook I have found in the States, and makes the most authentic tasting recipes. Someone complained that surely it must not be authentic because of the lack of dried shrimp in the som tam and pad thai recipes. Well...while dried shrimp is normal in pad thai, it is not always included in som tam. I miss Thai food after having lived there for many years, and this is the only recipe book I've found that can reproduce my favorites and give me the taste of Thai food (which you don't find in many Thai restaurants!). Not 100% of the recipes are perfect, but they are by far and away close enough and you can adjust seasoning. The larp recipe is awesome. This is the one Thai cookbook I recommend to friends who want to do some Thai cooking.

Editorial Review:

Nancie McDermott, widely regarded as the American expert on Thai cooking, offers a clear, straightforward approach to dishes that many Westerners have tasted only in restaurants. In Real Thai, she demystifies once and for all every aspect of this flavorful, healthy cuisine. Organized geographically by region, over 100 tempting, easy-to-follow recipes explore not only dishes that may be familiar to Americans, such as Chicken Coconut Soup and Pork Satay, but also lesser-known local specialties such as Crab Cakes with Cilantro Paste, Fish with Yellow Curry Steamed in Banana Leaves, Sticky Rice with Mangoes, and Son-in-Law Eggs. Including advice on basic utensils and techniques, a glossary of ingredients, a list of shopping sources, and a section of suggested menus, this is the definitive guide for novice and expert alike to the diverse flavors of a regional Asian cuisine that is rapidly becoming an international favorite.