Chinese cuisine is so well-known in the world that even people who know little else about the country and its culture have heard about or tasted Chinese food. Origins of Chinese Cuisine showcases some of the most famous and best-relished dishes. Here you will learn about: * Unique characteristics of each regional cuisine * Fascinating stories behind these selected dishes * Their development into their present-day form * Some of the lavish and singular banquet styles The dishes introduced here, including 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall' and 'Peking Roast Duck', are some of the most popular among scores of delicious and extraordinary dishes, and this entertaining account will no doubt delight fans of Chinese cuisine.

Origins of Chinese Culture guides you through the perplexing maze of all things Chinese. Pick up interesting facts about the "Four Treasures of the Study"--the brush, ink, paper and inkstone--which form the cornerstone of Chinese culture. Be enthralled by the charming stories of Chinese icons: * Cao Cao, who hinted that he wanted a door widened just by writing a character on the door. * Shi Kuang, whose music was said to resurrect the dead. * Wu Daozi, who never completed his paintings for fear that they would come alive. You will be amazed by the wisdom and exquisite allure of Chinese culture, and be treated to insights into Chinese music, weiqi, xiangqi, calligraphy and painting!

Did you know that if your surname is Ji and Jiang, it would mean that you are actually a descendant of the legendary emperors? And interestingly, the predecessors who fled from the despotic King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty named themselves after the things that saved them: Li, which stood for the wild fruit muzi, and Lin, the forest which was a hide-out from the king! Find out more fascinating details about 100 Chinese family names: * Difference between surnames and clan names. * Stories related to the most common surnames: Li, Wang, Zhang, Liu, Chen, Yang, Huang, and more. * Naming traditions; names and fortune; manner of addressing. As the book covers the entire span of recorded Chinese history from the past to the present, you will find it an eye-opener as a reference manual and a delightful source of little-known facts.

One of the earliest literary works of mankind is in the form of fables. Bedside stories told to children by mothers or grannies contained a great deal of fables. Fables are made up of amusing anecdotes which are interesting, educational, thought-provoking, delightful and enjoyable to people of all ages. Ancient these fables may seem, but when they are summarised into their pithy titles, they become idioms of common usage among the people even to these modern days. This book contains more than 70 Chinese fables that have been handed down from ancient times, told with lively comic illustrations by Chinese cartoonist Tian Hengyu who is renowned for his expressive illustrations with crisp and clear-cut lines. You are sure to be amused as you go through all these ancient stories and you will also be amazed by the subtlety and succinctness of meaning conveyed by them.

This book unravels the mystery behind Chinese martial arts, or wushu, an exotic branch of traditional Chinese culture. It traces how the rough and ready brawls of Chinese cavemen matured into the polished gongfu of Shaolin and Wudang warriors. But the art of gongfu is more than just martial abilities -- it is also about a philosophy and chivalry code. This volume sheds light on the legend of Bruce Lee, the Yue Maiden Sword and tells you more: * Do the Acupoint Tapping, Light Skills (qinggong), and "straying down demonic paths" that we see in period drama really exist? * What are the various boxing and weapon arts, and the various schools and styles? * Are E'mei Sect, Huashan Sect, Kunlun Sect, Kongtong Sect and Natural Sect documented in Chinese history? This is an easy and entertaining read, and a must-buy for budding martial-art fans. Be dazzled by the power and grace of Chinese martial arts, which stands tall in a class of its own!

Throughout the history of China, many rulers had come and gone. Who are the ones still standing tall in the annals of history as a result of their outstanding contributions and awe-inspiring character? There were the Three Sage Kings and the Five Legendary Rulers who painstakingly laid the foundation for Chinese civilisation. They were followed by luminaries like Emperor Shihuang of the Qin Dynasty who first unified China, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty who brought unprecedented prosperity to the land, and Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty who contributed to the progress of the sciences. All these eminent emperors had one thing in common: their love for their people. Who are the other great sovereigns who took personal responsibility for the people's happiness? Read on and find out!

Chinese opera is one of the world's oldest dramatic forms and a well-loved treasure of Chinese culture. It is a wonderful combination of dance, music, literature, poetry, singing and dialogue, acrobatics and martial arts to create a unique form of acting that includes "singing, speaking, acting and acrobatic fighting". Find out more fascinating details about Chinese opera: * Why is the clown mask so colourful? * Who is the "big painted face"? * What does it signify when an opera performer stands on the table? Origins of Chinese Opera is definitely an eye-catching book complete with pictures and comics vividly portraying various opera genres popular in China. You will be fascinated by how the art form is able to transform and adapt itself to appeal to the sophisticated audience of our digital era.

Tea and wine have a long history in China. In fact, both have become firmly entrenched in the culture and customs of the Chinese people, featuring prominently in the traditional rites of ancestral worship and in social situations. Discover the origins and varieties of tea and wine, and learn about: * Famous Chinese teas and wines * The etiquette and methods for preparing and serving tea and wine * The health-giving properties of tea and wine * Unique customs practised among the minority peoples in China * Interesting facts and ancient stories relating to tea and wine Not only will this book entertain and inspire, it will enrich your understanding of the Chinese culture!

Have you ever wondered what life was like in a Malay kampong in the old days? Or why practically all your Malay friends are Muslims? Well, the Malay culture is just one of the many cultures that have developed through the centuries. Although it originated in Peninsula Malaya, it has spread throughout Southeast Asia and beyond. Most Malays are Muslims and live their lives guided by teachings found in the Quran, the holy book of Islam. As part of the Asiapac Culture series, this book offers an overall look at the various aspects of this colourful culture. It covers topics such as the history of the people, their lifestyle, religious and cultural activities, culinary practices, etc. Such knowledge is essential in promoting mutual understanding and respect. So, if you want to learn more about this fascinating culture, this is the book to read!

This newly expanded and updated fifth edition will be the largest and most comprehensive of the five editions and new topics and chapter authors have been added. The authors have created the most comprehensive and up-to-date review of the nutritional strategies available for the prevention of disease and the promotion of health through nutrition. Patients are looking for credible information from their health care providers about a whole range of subjects covered here, including ß-carotene, lycopene, antioxidants, folate, and the myriad of bioactive phytochemicals found in garlic and other foods. With sections on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and pregnancy among many others, this volume will be of great value to practicing health professionals, including physicians, nutritionists, dentists, pharmacists, dieticians, health educators, policy makers, health economists, regulatory agencies and research investigators. An entire section covers nutrition transitions around the world including Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia as well as goals for preventive nutrition in developing countries. Preventive Nutrition: The Comprehensive Guide for Health Professionals, 5th Ed. is an important resource for thousands of health professionals who have been utilizing the previous editions since 1997.