This text explores urban public life through the microcosm of the Chengdu teahouse. Like most public spaces, the teahouse was and still is an enduring symbol of Chinese popular culture, stemming back centuries and prevailing through political transformations, modernization, and globalization. The time period covered begins basically with the establishment of the People's Republic in 1949-50, goes through the end of the Cultural Revolution and into the post-Mao reform era.

“Like attending seasons of elegant tea parties—each one resplendent with character and drama. Delicious.”—Maxine Hong Kingston The story of two women whose lives intersect in late-nineteenth-century Japan, The Teahouse Fire is also a portrait of one of the most fascinating places and times in all of history—Japan as it opens its doors to the West. It was a period when wearing a different color kimono could make a political statement, when women stopped blackening their teeth to profess an allegiance to Western ideas, and when Japan’s most mysterious rite—the tea ceremony—became not just a sacramental meal, but a ritual battlefield. We see it all through the eyes of Aurelia, an American orphan adopted by the Shin family, proprietors of a tea ceremony school, after their daughter, Yukako, finds her hiding on their grounds. Aurelia becomes Yukako’s closest companion, and they, the Shin family, and all of Japan face a time of great challenges and uncertainty. Told in an enchanting and unforgettable voice, The Teahouse Fire is a lively, provocative, and lushly detailed historical novel of epic scope and compulsive readability.

This immensely likeable satire of the American civilizing mission in Okinawa was a phenomenon when it was published in 1951. The many-layered novel retains its charm and power today; beneath the comical mayhem that engulfs the village Tobiki we see the pitfalls and possibilities of cultural exchange and nation-building.

All about the architecture and design principles of a very private place to communicate and meditate from its origins until today.

Tales of the Teahouse Retold is based on the author's original translation of Feng Shen Yan Yi, an important volume of Chinese mythology first published during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is the story of the overthrow the Shang Dynasty (circa 1766-1122 BC) and the founding of the Chou Dynasty (1122-249 BC). Combining historical facts, folklore, mythology, and legends, these tales describe a time when gods and men, beasts and monsters, and spirits and specters mingled with each other in peace and war. The saga begins when King Zhou of Shang offends the Snail Goddess, who sends three specters to bewitch the king in retribution. The kingdom falls into chaos and civil war ensues, with gods and other supernatural beings taking sides. In the end, many of the slain heroes are invested as gods. For centuries, the tale was told in successive story-telling sessions as teahouse entertainment. The author has faithfully kept to the original style and ambience in retelling these tales. Tales of the Teahouse Retold will be of interest to fans of oriental mythology, philosophy, and literature. It is suitable for recreational reading as well as supplemental reading for students of Chinese history and culture.

This study examines economic, social, political, and cultural changes as funneled through the teahouses of Chengdu during the first half of the twentieth century.

A hilarious and heartwarming tale, perfect for fans of Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella and Cecelia Ahern. The tea house on Mulberry Street in Belfast hasn't changed much over the years. But it's full of people who are hoping to . . . Owner Daniel Stanley might make the most glorious deserts in the whole of Ireland, but he won't support his wife Penny's desire to have at least one bun in the oven. Sadie finds refuge from her diet and her husband's infidelity in Daniel's famous cherry cheesecake. Struggling artist Brenda is dreaming of a better life. Clare returns home from twenty years in New York, still cherishing the memory of the one night she truly loved - and lost. And Penny herself discovers a secret from the past - and a handsome estate agent very much in her present. They all want their lives to change - but are they willing to face the consequences? And the possibility that you might not always be able to have your cake - and eat it . . . Praise for Sharon Owens: 'Maeve Binchey meets Joanna Trollope . . . Gives you a warm glow like a nice cup of tea' Irish Independent 'It made me refuse nights out in favour of curling up on the couch . . . dreaming of mouth-watering delights the book so vividly describes' Cecelia Ahern 'A lovely heart-warming tale brimming with entertaininng twists and turns' Heat **** 'A real page-turner' Company *****

When a series of fires in Japan's capital points to foul-play, the famous samurai Judge Ooka puts 14-year-old Seikei on the case to discover who's behind them. Determined to prove his worth, Seikei poses as a teahouse attendant to gather information, and winds up entering the mysterious worlds of geishas and revenge.

THE STORY: As told by McClain in the New York Journal-American: ...pursues the career of an Army of Occupation officer stationed in a remote town in Okinawa. His duty is to teach Democracy to the natives, and there is a stern and stupid Colonel brea