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The Scientific Buddha: His Short and Happy Life - The Dwight Harrington Terry Foundation Lectures on Religion in the Light of Science and Philosophy
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Donald S. Lopez Jr. | Yale University Press

The Scientific Buddha: His Short and Happy Life - The Dwight Harrington Terry Foundation Lectures on Religion in the Light of Science and Philosophy

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$10.90

84% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by how historical figures can be reinterpreted over time, especially through the lens of Western culture, "The Scientific Buddha" might be for you. It's an intriguing exploration of how the Buddha's original teachings have been reshaped to fit modern scientific perspectives. The book is insightful for those interested in the intersection of religion and science and challenges readers to consider the authenticity of contemporary Buddhist practices.
Red Flags: Why Xi's China Is in Jeopardy
George Magnus | Yale University Press

Red Flags: Why Xi's China Is in Jeopardy

$18.90

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$18.90

If you're looking to understand the nuances and complexities of China's position on the global stage, "Red Flags" is a thought-provoking read. George Magnus doesn't just scratch the surface; he delves deep into economic policy, demographic hurdles, and political ideology, offering a comprehensive look at the potential stumbling blocks for China's future growth. This book is particularly timely and sure to provide valuable perspectives for anyone interested in international economics or political science.
The Emperor's New Road: China and the Project of the Century
Jonathan E. Hillman | Yale University Press

The Emperor's New Road: China and the Project of the Century

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$12.90

If you're intrigued by global geopolitics and economic strategies, "The Emperor's New Road" is tailor-made for you. Jonathan E. Hillman walks you through the implications and intricacies of China's Belt and Road Initiative, a topic that holds significant relevance in today's shifting international power dynamics. It's a deep dive into a subject that could redefine our global economic future – and it's as informative as it is thought-provoking.
Ghetto at the Center of the World: Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong - Thryft
Gordon Mathews | University Of Chicago Press

Ghetto at the Center of the World: Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 3.81

$3.90

89% off est. retail
Recommendation: This book takes you on a captivating journey through the chaotic and vibrant world of Chungking Mansions - a place that defies all stereotypes. With its diverse cast of characters and intimate stories, it reveals the real face of globalization, showcasing the intricate connections that exist between people from all corners of the world. Through these captivating narratives, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and realities of our shrinking planet, leaving you with a renewed sense of hope and a fresh perspective on our interconnected world.
China and Historical Capitalism: Genealogies of Sinological Knowledge - Thryft
Timothy Brook, Gregory Blue  | Cambridge University Press

China and Historical Capitalism: Genealogies of Sinological Knowledge

$57.90 $17.90 69% off

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$57.90 $17.90 69% off

89% off est. retail
If you've ever wondered how views of economic history can be colored by the lens through which they're examined, "China and Historical Capitalism" might intrigue you. This book digs into how Western interpretations of capitalism have overshadowed other global narratives. It's a thoughtful read for anyone interested in understanding the complex intersection between cultural perception and historical economic systems, and particularly relevant if you're interested in the dynamics of East-West relations in the context of capitalist discourse.
The European Miracle: Environments, Economies and Geopolitics in the History of Europe and Asia
Eric Lionel Jones | Cambridge University Press

The European Miracle: Environments, Economies and Geopolitics in the History of Europe and Asia

$17.90

Goodreads rating: 3.76

$17.90

If you're curious about the underpinnings of our modern world, "The European Miracle" might just satisfy that itch. Eric Jones offers a compelling analysis, grappling with the intriguing question of why Europe, a late-comer in history's grand stage, surged ahead in state and economic development. It's a fascinating investigation for anyone interested in the historical interplay between natural environments, political systems, and their pivotal roles in shaping civilizations.
Yakuza: Japan's Criminal Underworld
David E. Kaplan, Alec Dubro  | University Of California Press

Yakuza: Japan's Criminal Underworld

$39.90

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$39.90

If you're someone fascinated by the blurred lines where politics, economy, and crime intersect, "Yakuza" is a compelling read for you. It delves into the often clandestine world of Japan's infamous criminal organizations with precision and depth. You'll emerge with a nuanced understanding of an often-misunderstood facet of Japanese culture that continues to exert significant influence both domestically and internationally.
Potent Landscapes: Place and Mobility in Eastern Indonesia
Catherine Allerton | University Of Hawaii Press

Potent Landscapes: Place and Mobility in Eastern Indonesia

$14.90

Goodreads rating: 4.5

$14.90

If you're someone intrigued by the intricate ways in which landscapes shape human life, "Potent Landscapes" offers an enlightening perspective. It delves into the deep bond between the Manggarai people of Indonesia and their surroundings, revealing how geography can influence our needs and emotions. Rich in cultural details, this book is a window into understanding how place and identity are intimately connected.
Voices From S-21 - Terror and History in Pol Pot's Secret Prison
David P. Chandler | University Of California Press

Voices From S-21 - Terror and History in Pol Pot's Secret Prison

$54.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$54.90

If you're looking to understand the darkest corners of modern history, "Voices from S-21" will guide you through the harrowing experiences from within Pol Pot's secret prison. It's a poignant reminder of the human capacity for cruelty, serving both as a rigorous examination and a solemn tribute to the victims of the Khmer Rogue regime. This book brings the past to life, warning us to never forget.
Geocultural Power: China's Quest to Revive the Silk Roads for the Twenty-First Century
Tim Winter | University Of Chicago Press

Geocultural Power: China's Quest to Revive the Silk Roads for the Twenty-First Century

$22.90

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$22.90

49% off est. retail
For those fascinated by international politics and economics, "Geocultural Power: China's Quest to Revive the Silk Roads for the Twenty-First Century" offers a thought-provoking perspective. It dissects China's contemporary strategy of weaving history with modern ambitions, a move that could redefine global power dynamics. As you delve into the narrative, you’d find it compelling how China is not just reshaping trade routes but also cultural and political narratives. This read is a window into the future of international relations through the lens of the past.
Figures of Southeast Asian Modernity
Johan Lindquist, Joshua Barker, Erik Harms  | University Of Hawaii Press

Figures of Southeast Asian Modernity

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.33

$8.90

If you're intrigued by the social tapestry of Southeast Asia, "Figures of Southeast Asian Modernity" is a window into the heart of its diverse cultures. Through vivid portraits, this ethnographic collection captures the region's dynamism, offering you an authentic perspective often missing in traditional academic texts. It's a thoughtful exploration that feels personal and real, like having a series of intimate conversations with the very fabric of modern Southeast Asia.
The Eastern Origins of Western Civilisation
John M. Hobson | Cambridge University Press

The Eastern Origins of Western Civilisation

$21.90

Goodreads rating: 3.87

$21.90

57% off est. retail
If you've ever wondered how interconnected our world's histories are, this book will enlighten you. John M. Hobson challenges the Eurocentric narrative, illustrating the vital contributions of Eastern civilizations to the development of the West. It's an eye-opener that shifts perspectives and acknowledges the global mosaic of cultural progress.
The China Questions 2: Critical Insights Into US-China Relations
Jennifer M. Rudolph, Maria Adele Carrai, Michael Szonyi  | Harvard University Press

The China Questions 2: Critical Insights Into US-China Relations

$20.90

Goodreads rating: 4.07

$20.90

57% off est. retail
If you're someone who wants to dive deep into the intricacies of the US-China relationship, "The China Questions 2" could be the book for you. The world has moved beyond seeing China simply as a 'rising power,' and the nuanced perspectives offered in this book by specialists could help you understand the current landscape and future implications for global politics, security, and economics. It's a collection that provides clear-eyed analysis and avoids simplistic black-and-white narratives, crucial for anyone keen on international relations.
A History of Thailand
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Pasuk Phongpaichit, Chris Baker  | Cambridge University Press

A History of Thailand

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$10.90

If you're intrigued by the rich tapestry of Thai culture and history, "A History of Thailand" offers a deep dive that's both accessible and enlightening. It's a great pick for you if you’re looking to understand the complexities of Thailand's political, social, and economic developments right from its early days to contemporary times. The authors, Baker and Phongpaichit, leverage extensive research to provide an insightful narrative that's bound to leave you with a profound understanding of this vibrant nation.
The Shanghai Green Gang: Politics and Organized Crime, 1919-1937
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Brian G. Martin | University Of California Press

The Shanghai Green Gang: Politics and Organized Crime, 1919-1937

$37.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$37.90

If you have an interest in the murky intersections of politics and organized crime, "The Shanghai Green Gang" is a treasure trove you should not miss. Imagine diving deep into a shadowy underworld where notorious figures like Du Yuesheng rule, and historical crime stories unravel before your eyes like a cinematic saga. Brian Martin's meticulous research transforms dry history into an engaging detective story, offering a fresh perspective on an often overlooked corner of twentieth-century China.
Nature Contained: Environmental Histories of Singapore
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Timothy P Barnard | National University Of Singapore Press

Nature Contained: Environmental Histories of Singapore

$21.90

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$21.90

If you're fascinated by the intersection of nature and culture, "Nature Contained" offers a profound look into how Singapore's lush biodiversity and ecological challenges shaped its history far beyond the typical tale of trade and nation-building. The collaborative insights from experts across various fields paint a multidimensional narrative that's as vibrant and diverse as the ecosystem it explores, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in environmental history or Singapore's unique development.
Rice in Malaya: A Study in Historical Geography
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R.D. Hill | National University Of Singapore Press

Rice in Malaya: A Study in Historical Geography

$20.90

Goodreads rating: 3.6

$20.90

63% off est. retail
"Rice in Malaya" is for those who appreciate the intricacies of food history and its cultural significance. If you're eager to delve into the agricultural past of Southeast Asia and understand how rice farming shaped an entire region, this comprehensive study by R.D. Hill will not only inform but also connect you to the patterns of life that have persisted into modern Malaysia. It’s not just a treat for academics but for any reader interested in the confluence of history, geography, and culture that's as staple as rice itself in Malaysia.
Personal Names in Asia: History, Culture, and Identity
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Yangwen Zheng, Charles J-H. MacDonald  | National University Of Singapore Press

Personal Names in Asia: History, Culture, and Identity

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$9.90

72% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the profound connection between personal names and cultural identity in Asia, "Personal Names in Asia: History, Culture, and Identity" is a book that dives deep into this nuanced facet of Asian societies. The editors, Zheng Yangwen and Charles J-H MacDonald, bring together rich historical contexts and cultural analyses, revealing how names are not just labels but crucial to understanding the larger narrative of identity and heritage in Asian cultures.
The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej
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Paul M. Handley | Yale University Press

The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailand's Bhumibol Adulyadej

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$12.90

If you're captivated by the convergence of modern politics and centuries-old traditions, "The King Never Smiles" might be your next engrossing read. Handley's meticulous research pierces through the veil of sanctity surrounding King Bhumibol's reign to reveal a monarch's tight grip on power. The book's unflinching analysis presents a stark contrast to the commonly held beliefs about the king, making for a thought-provoking dive into the heart of Thai politics and monarchy.
Chinese Almanacs - Images of Asia
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Richard J. Smith | Oxford University Press

Chinese Almanacs - Images of Asia

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.5

$8.90

If you're intrigued by how ancient cultures found harmony and guidance through yearly cycles, you'd appreciate the depth of this book. Exploring Chinese almanacs opens a vista into traditional beliefs and practices that guided everyday life, offering a perspective that's both educational and fascinating.
Angkor
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George Coedès | Oxford University Press

Angkor

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$10.90

If you're entranced by the mysteries of bygone civilizations, "Angkor" will transport you to the heart of Cambodia's archaeological treasure. Coedès' work is a time capsule that offers a window into a fascinating, ancient world. This book would suit anyone with a love for history and a curiosity about the majestic ruins that continue to captivate scholars and travelers alike.
The Dictator's Dilemma: The Chinese Communist Party's Strategy for Survival
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Bruce Dickson | Oxford University Press

The Dictator's Dilemma: The Chinese Communist Party's Strategy for Survival

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 3.83

$12.90

70% off est. retail
If you're fascinated by the inner workings of political systems, especially one as enigmatic as China's, "The Dictator's Dilemma" by Bruce Dickson might just deepen your understanding. Dickson's insight into the Communist Party's surprising popularity and its nuanced methods of governance challenges perceptions, combining academic rigor with accessible examples—a compelling read for anyone intrigued by China's political landscape.
Cambodian Culture Since 1975: Homeland and Exile
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Carol A. Mortland, May Mayko Ebihara, Judy Ledgerwood  | Cornell University Press

Cambodian Culture Since 1975: Homeland and Exile

$24.90

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$24.90

65% off est. retail
If you're drawn to exploring the rich tapestry of cultural revival and transformation, this book promises a deep dive into Cambodian culture as it has evolved since the changes of 1975. It's poignant in its examination of traditional arts, religion, and the diaspora's efforts to maintain and adapt heritage in foreign lands. For anyone interested in the intersection of history, culture, and resilience, this compilation of essays offers enlightening perspectives that contribute to a broader understanding of a nation rebuilding its identity.
Buddhism - A Very Short Introduction
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Damien Keown | Oxford University Press

Buddhism - A Very Short Introduction

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.74

$8.90

64% off est. retail
If you've ever been intrigued by Buddhism but felt overwhelmed by the vast history and teachings, this book serves as an ideal starting point. Damien Keown presents Buddhist principles in bite-sized, digestible portions without diminishing their depth and significance. Whether you're looking for a new spiritual perspective or simply want to expand your philosophical horizons, you'll appreciate the way this book makes profound ideas approachable.
The Modern History of Japan
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Andrew Gordon | Oxford University Press

The Modern History of Japan

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 3.83

$9.90

If you're fascinated by how Japan evolved into the dynamic nation it is today, this book offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration. The narrative provides an informative look at Japan's political, social, and economic changes. It could be a great read for gaining a deeper understanding of Japan's unique culture and global role throughout modern history.
By Steppe, Desert, and Ocean: The Birth of Eurasia
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Barry Cunliffe | Oxford University Press

By Steppe, Desert, and Ocean: The Birth of Eurasia

$17.90

Goodreads rating: 4.3

$17.90

56% off est. retail
If you're mesmerized by how our interconnected world came to be, "By Steppe, Desert, and Ocean" is your time machine. Barry Cunliffe takes you through a 10,000-year journey that stitches together the tapestry of human civilization. It's a read that's as vast as the Eurasian continent itself, revealing how geography shaped history and how distant cultures began threading into one another, leading to the complex global society we recognize today.
The Invention of China
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Bill Hayton | Yale University Press

The Invention of China

$10.90 $6.90 37% off

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$10.90 $6.90 37% off

68% off est. retail
If you've ever been enthralled by the idea of China as this monolithic entity with a seamless historical narrative, Bill Hayton's "The Invention of China" will intrigue you. It's a fascinating examination of the nation's history, offering a critical look at the creation of China's national identity. Delving into this book could change the way you understand national myths and their purpose in shaping political futures.
The Living House: An Anthropology of Architecture in South-East Asia
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Roxana Waterson | Oxford University Press

The Living House: An Anthropology of Architecture in South-East Asia

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$12.90

If you're intrigued by how a region's culture can shape its architecture, "The Living House" offers a fascinating journey through the homes of South-East Asia. It champions the idea that these structures are not just buildings but are also a reflection of the lives and traditions of the people who inhabit them. This book is a beautiful convergence of anthropology and design, a narrative with the power to make you see buildings as breathing embodiments of culture.
Southeast Asia in World History
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Craig A. Lockard | Oxford University Press

Southeast Asia in World History

$16.90 $7.90 53% off

Goodreads rating: 3.59

$16.90 $7.90 53% off

82% off est. retail
If history fascinates you, especially the interweaving of culture, commerce, and conquest, then Lockard's "Southeast Asia in World History" is up your alley. The author brings out the essence of an entire region through a narrative that connects its past to the present. He deftly illustrates the autonomy and adaptability of Southeast Asians, casting light on their global significance today. It's not just history, it's a story of resilience and cultural treasure you might not have known.
Tracing China: A Forty-Year Ethnographic Journey
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Helen F. Siu | Hong Kong University Press

Tracing China: A Forty-Year Ethnographic Journey

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.25

$8.90

If you're intrigued by China's evolution from a rural society to a modern powerhouse, Helen Siu's "Tracing China" will give you an enlightening perspective. Her work uniquely integrates decades of fieldwork with anthropological analysis, offering a deep dive into how historical currents shape everyday lives. It's a compelling read for anyone interested in the nuances of socio-political change and the human stories within it.
The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia
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James C. Scott | Yale University Press

The Art of Not Being Governed: An Anarchist History of Upland Southeast Asia

$11.90

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$11.90

If you're intrigued by the untold stories of people living on the fringes of society, "The Art of Not Being Governed" will be a revelation. It's not just a history book; it's an exploration of the human spirit's desire for autonomy. James C. Scott takes you on an odyssey through Zomia, introducing you to cultures that prioritized freedom over the constraints of statehood, a concept that challenges our understanding of civilization and governance. This book will shift your perspective and offer a deep dive into the lives of those who chose to exist outside the state's reach.
Reconstructing God: Style, Hydraulics, Political Power and Angkor's West Mebon Visnu
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Marnie Feneley | National University Of Singapore Press

Reconstructing God: Style, Hydraulics, Political Power and Angkor's West Mebon Visnu

$40.90 $14.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$40.90 $14.90 64% off

89% off est. retail
As someone intrigued by the mystical allure of ancient art and the sophisticated engineering of bygone civilizations, "Reconstructing God" could offer you a profound dive into Angkor's rich history. Marnie Feneley's meticulous research, intersecting archaeology, art history, and digital technology, resurrects the grandeur of the West Mebon Visnu and its significance in the context of political and hydraulic power. This book promises to refresh your understanding of the iconic ruins and inspire awe for Southeast Asia's cultural achievements.
Modern China: A Very Short Introduction
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Rana Mitter | Oxford University Press

Modern China: A Very Short Introduction

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.61

$8.90

If you're looking to brush up on your understanding of contemporary China without delving into a tome, this is the book for you. It distills China's political, economic, and cultural transformation into a digestible format, making it approachable even if you're just taking a quick dive into the subject.
Ah-Ku and Karayuki-San: Prostitution in Singapore 1880-1940
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James Francis Warren | Singapore University Press

Ah-Ku and Karayuki-San: Prostitution in Singapore 1880-1940

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.6

$8.90

"Ah-Ku and Karayuki-San" offers you a gritty, unvarnished look at a darker chapter in Singapore's history, inviting both empathy and scholarly interest. It's a deep dive into the lives of marginalized figures who contributed significantly yet are often overlooked. It’s more than just an academic read; it's a powerful reminder of the resilience and complexity of human lives within the harsh realities of the past. If you have an interest in social history or want to understand the underbelly of colonial Singapore, this book provides a rich, nuanced narrative that’s as enlightening as it is harrowing.
A Concise History of Hong Kong - Thryft
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John Mark Carroll | Hong Kong University Press

A Concise History of Hong Kong

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.22

$8.90

If you're fascinated by pivotal moments in world history, "A Concise History of Hong Kong" will captivate you with its detailed account of the island's transformation. It offers a comprehensive window into how the blend of Chinese and British influences shaped modern Hong Kong—essential for those interested in the roots of present-day geopolitical landscapes.
China's Economy: What Everyone Needs to Know
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Arthur R. Kroeber | Oxford University Press

China's Economy: What Everyone Needs to Know

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$8.90

If you're keen on understanding global economics and politics, "China's Economy: What Everyone Needs to Know" can offer you a comprehensive look into how China ascended from poverty to a powerhouse. It's not just about dry facts; it's a captivating narrative woven from extensive research and firsthand accounts, crucial for anyone fascinated by this giant's paradoxical existence of capitalist markets under communist rule. This book could significantly demystify the country's complex economic systems and its effect on the world stage.
The World Turned Upside Down: America, China, and the Struggle for Global Leadership - Thryft
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Clyde Prestowitz | Yale University Press

The World Turned Upside Down: America, China, and the Struggle for Global Leadership

$14.51 $6.90 52% off

Goodreads rating: 3.85

$14.51 $6.90 52% off

83% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by international relations and the shifting dynamics of global power, then Clyde Prestowitz's 'The World Turned Upside Down' will be a compelling read. It takes you beyond the headlines, offering a deep dive into how China's ascent is reshaping the world order and the strategies the West could employ to respond. Prestowitz pairs expertise with clear exposition, avoiding partisan bias, which makes this book essential for anyone looking to understand the modern geopolitical landscape.
Traditional Festivals in Thailand - Images of Asia - Thryft
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Ruth Gerson | Oxford University Press

Traditional Festivals in Thailand - Images of Asia

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.0

$8.90

If you're fascinated by the rich tapestry of Thailand's festivities, this dive into their vibrant festivals will enchant you. With Ruth Gerson's eye for detail, you'll get more than a tourist's glance—you'll understand the intertwining of religion and culture that makes these celebrations a pulsating heart of Thai life. It's a colorful window into a world of tradition and passion.
When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne, 1405-1433 (Revised) - Thryft
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Louise Levathes | Oxford University Press

When China Ruled the Seas: The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne, 1405-1433 (Revised)

$8.68 $7.90 9% off

Goodreads rating: 3.72

$8.68 $7.90 9% off

This book would transport you back to a time of immense curiosity and ambition that characterized China's naval history. It not only fills a gap in our understanding of a period often overshadowed by European exploration but also marvels at the technological and cultural advancements that could have shaped a different world order. The narrative captures an era rich with exploration potential, reflecting a blend of ambition and eventual retreat that is both intriguing and baffling for the modern reader.
The English governess at the Siamese court - being recollections of six years in the royal palace at Bangkok - Thryft
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Anna Harriette Leonowens | Oxford University Press

The English governess at the Siamese court - being recollections of six years in the royal palace at Bangkok

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.37

$8.26

If you're intrigued by royal dynamics and cross-cultural exchanges, Leonowens’s memoir could be a good read for you. It offers an authentic peek into 19th-century Siam through the eyes of an English governess. Her unique perspective as an educator and her close interactions with the royal family provide historical enthusiasts and memoir readers with rich, cultural insights that are both educational and entertaining.
Gathering Medicines: Nation and Knowledge in China’s Mountain South - Thryft
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Lili Lai, Judith Farquhar  | University Of Chicago Press

Gathering Medicines: Nation and Knowledge in China’s Mountain South

$17.11

Goodreads rating: 3.33

$17.11

69% off est. retail
In the early 2000s, the central government of China encouraged all of the nation’s registered minorities to “salvage, sort, synthesize, and elevate” folk medical knowledges in an effort to create local health care systems comparable to the nationally supported institutions of traditional Chinese medicine. Gathering Medicines bears witness to this remarkable moment of knowledge development while sympathetically introducing the myriad therapeutic traditions of southern China.Over a period of six years, Judith Farquhar and Lili Lai worked with seven minority nationality groups in China’s southern mountains, observing how medicines were gathered and local healing systems codified. Gathering Medicines shares their intimate view of how people understand ethnicity, locality, the body, and nature. This ethnography of knowledge diversities in multiethnic China is a testament to the rural wisdom of mountain healers, one that theorizes, from the ground up, the dynamic encounters between formal statist knowledge and the popular authority of the wild.
The Reluctant Communist: My Desertion, Court-Martial, and Forty-Year Imprisonment in North Korea - Thryft
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Jim Frederick, Charles Robert Jenkins  | University Of California Press

The Reluctant Communist: My Desertion, Court-Martial, and Forty-Year Imprisonment in North Korea

$7.90 $4.90 38% off

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$7.90 $4.90 38% off

This book would be a good read for anyone interested in true stories of resilience and survival in the face of extreme adversity. Charles Robert Jenkins' harrowing memoir takes readers on a journey into the inner workings of North Korea's isolated society and provides a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Through his gripping storytelling, Jenkins offers a unique perspective on his years spent in captivity, making this a compelling and unforgettable read.
The Arts of China - Thryft
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Michael Sullivan | University Of California Press

The Arts of China

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 3.7

$6.34

For the fifth edition of his internationally renowned The Arts of China, Michael Sullivan has thoroughly revised and expanded every chapter of this classic history of Chinese art from the Neolithic period to the present day. This new edition reflects the latest archaeological discoveries, pays greater attention to the art of calligraphy, provides more information on Chan (Zen) art, and takes a close look at contemporary art. New images have been added to almost every chapter: the work now features more than four hundred photographs, maps, and illustrations, with more than two-thirds of them in full color.Written in the engaging and lucid style that is Sullivan's hallmark, The Arts of China is readily accessible to general readers as well as serious students of art history. Sullivan's approach remains true to the way the Chinese themselves view art, providing readers with a sense of the sweep of history through China's dynasties. This organizational strategy makes it easy for readers to understand the distinct characteristics of each period of art and to gain a clearer view of how Chinese art has changed in relation to its historical context. With many improvements that bring it fully up to date, The Arts of China will remain the most comprehensive and widely read introduction to the history of Chinese art.
Returning Southeast Asia's Past: Objects, Museums, and Restitution - Thryft
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Louise Tythacott, Gabrielle Abbe, Panggah Ardiyansyah  | National University Of Singapore Press

Returning Southeast Asia's Past: Objects, Museums, and Restitution

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 5.0

$6.34

For the past century and a half, extensive looting and illicit trafficking of Southeast Asia's cultural heritage have scattered art objects from the region to museums and private collections around the world. Today, however, power relations are shifting, a new awareness is growing, and new questions are emerging about the representation and ownership of Southeast Asian cultural material located in the West. This book offers a timely consideration of object restitution and related issues across Southeast Asia, bringing together a range of viewpoints, including those of museum professionals and scholars in Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, as well as Europe, North America, and Australia. The contributors address legal, cultural, political and diplomatic issues involved in the restitution process, and they also look at the ways object restitution is integral to evolving narratives of national identity. Ultimately, the book’s editors conclude, restitution processes can transform narratives of loss into opportunities for gain, building knowledge and reconstructing relationships across national borders.
The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailands Bhumibol Adulyadej [Paperback] Paul M. Handley - Thryft
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Paul M. Handley | Yale University Press

The King Never Smiles: A Biography of Thailands Bhumibol Adulyadej [Paperback] Paul M. Handley

$6.71

Goodreads rating: 3.83

$6.71

This book is an in-depth look into the life of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej, providing a fascinating insight into the country's revered monarch. Handley's biography balances the king's impressive accomplishments with critical analysis of the country's political climate during his reign. If you're interested in history, political figures or Thailand's monarchy, this book is sure to keep you engaged.
Five Spice Street - Thryft
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Can Xue, Karen Gernant, Zeping Chen  | Yale University Press

Five Spice Street

$5.46

Goodreads rating: 3.32

$5.46

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Five Spice Street is a surreal and thought-provoking novel that explores the collective consciousness of ordinary people living in an unnamed city. Through the character of Madam X, the author delves into existential anxieties and the struggle with identity. This book will appeal to those who enjoy literary fiction that challenges the reader to think deeply about the human condition.
Sources of Korean Tradition : From the Sixteenth to the Twentieth Centuries - Thryft
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Peter H. Lee, Yongho Ch'oe, Wm. Theodore de Bary  | Columbia University Press

Sources of Korean Tradition : From the Sixteenth to the Twentieth Centuries

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$3.88

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Modeled after the classic Sources of Chinese Tradition, Sources of Japanese Tradition, and Sources of Indian Tradition, this collection of seminal primary readings in the social, intellectual, and religious traditions of Korea from the sixteenth century to the present day lays the groundwork for understanding Korean civilization and demonstrates how leading intellectuals and public figures in Korea have looked at life, the traditions of their ancestors, and the world they lived in.The selections range from the mid- and late Chosôn dynasty in the sixteenth century, through the encounter with the West and imperialist Japan in the late ninteenth and early twentieth centuries, to the political and cultural events in South and North Korea since 1945―ending with President Kim Taejung's 1998 inaugural address.
The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong : The Autobiographical Writings of a Crown Princess of Eighteenth-Century Korea - Thryft
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Lady Hyegyeong, JaHyun Kim Haboush  | University Of California Press

The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong : The Autobiographical Writings of a Crown Princess of Eighteenth-Century Korea

$18.88

Goodreads rating: 4.01

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The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong offers a fascinating glimpse into Korean court life of the eighteenth-century. The book's unique feature is its depiction of a deeply intelligent and articulate woman amidst conflicting passions, political intrigue, and daily concerns. Readers interested in historical and cultural perspectives will find this autobiography a worthy read.
A History of Japan to 1334 - Thryft
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George Bailey Sansom | Stanford University Press

A History of Japan to 1334

$11.99

Goodreads rating: 4.09

$11.99

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This is a straightforward narrative of the development of Japanese civilization to 1334 by the author of A Short Cultural History . While complete in itself, it is also the first volume of a three-volume work which will be the first large-scale, comprehensive history of Japan. Taken as a whole, the projected history represents the culmination of the life work of perhaps the most distinguished historian now writing on Japan. Unlike the renowned Short Cultural History , it is concerned mainly with political and social phenomena and only incidentally touches on religion, literature, and the arts. The treatment is primarily descriptive and factual, but the author offers some pragmatic interpretations and suggests comparisons with the history of other peoples. A History of Japan to 1334 describes the growth from tribal origins of an organized state on a Chinese model, gives a picture of the life of the Royal Court, and examines the conflict between a polished urban nobility and a warlike rural gentry. It traces the evolution of an efficient system of feudal government which deprived the sovereign of all but his ritual functions and the prestige of his ancestry. The structure of Japanese feudal society is depicted in some detail and explained in terms of its internal stresses and its behavior in peace and war, especially during the period of the Mongol attacks in the last decades of the thirteenth century. The volume ends with the collapse of the feudal government at Kamakura under the attack of ambitious rivals.
A History of Japan, 1334-1615 - Thryft
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George Bailey Sansom | Stanford University Press

A History of Japan, 1334-1615

$11.98

Goodreads rating: 4.12

$11.98

This is a straightforward narrative of the development of Japanese civilization from 1334 to 1615 by the author of Japan: A Short Cultural History . While complete in itself, it is also the second volume of a three-volume work which will be the first large-scale, comprehensive history of Japan. Taken as a whole, the projected history represents the culmination of the life work of perhaps the most distinguished historian now writing on Japan. Unlike the renowned Short Cultural History , it is concerned mainly with political and social phenomena and only incidentally touches on religion, literature, and the arts. The treatment is primarily descriptive and factual, but the author offers some pragmatic interpretations and suggests comparisons with the history of other peoples. A History of Japan: 1334-1615 describes the growth of a new feudal hierarchy, the ebb and flow of civil war, the rise and fall of great families, and the development amidst extreme political disorder of remarkable new features in institutional and economic life. This is the period of expanding relations with other parts of Asia and of the arrival of traders and missionaries from European countries―the first contact of Japan with the West. The volume ends with an account of the abortive invasion of Korea and the last outburst of the civil war that was terminated in 1615 by the victory of the first of the Tokugawa Shoguns, Ieyasu.