Reviews (2)

Confuciunism works!?
Some questions we cannot explain by "Confucian Traditions" Review
A good book dealing with the question of to what extent the Confucian cultural traditions of the societies of the East Asian developmental states affected their growth paths. The economic successes of East Asia can no longer be attributed merely to neoliberal economic policies, and there is a growing recognition to acknowldge the part played by the cultural background from which growth emerged. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Civilization    3. Confucian influences    4. Confucianism    5. East Asia    6. East Asia - History    7. Far East    8. History    9. History - General History    10. History: World    11. Cultural studies    12. History / Asia    13. Hong Kong    14. Japan    15. Oriental & Indian philosophy    16. Singapore    17. South Korea    18. Taiwan   

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    2. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    3. General    4. History - General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile Nonfiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Cinema/Film: Book    3. Film & Video - History & Criticism    4. Performing Arts    5. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    6. China    7. Film theory & criticism    8. Individual film directors, film-makers   

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Asia - General    3. Catholic Foreign Mission Socie    4. Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America    5. China    6. Christianity - History - Catholic    7. History    8. Hong Kong    9. Maryknoll Sisters    10. Missions    11. Missions & Missionary Work    12. Religion    13. Religion - Church Life    14. Religion - Classic Works    15. Women's Studies - History    16. Religion / Missions & Missionary Work    17. Religious mission & evangelism    18. Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church    19. USA   

Reviews (2)

A political analysis
Caution: the khaki cover and exciting illustration of the jacket of this book may make the prospective reader think it's military history. It's not, instead it is much more in-depth as a political analysis of the way in which the sudden disaster of the fall of Hong Kong irretrievably changed the colony into a more tolerant and far more Chinese place, ready for the 1997 hand-over.
Lessons beyond the history of the colony
In this well-researched and well-written book, Phillip Snow traces the history of the British Colony of Hong Kong, with the intent to show why Britain ultimately returned the colony to China.His thesis is that the Japanese occupation, a brief period of 3 years 8 months, out of the more than 100 years that the colony was in British hands, was the critical watershed which made British relinquishment inevitable.Britain's prestige and authority were mortally wounded by the loss of Hong Kong and the other colonies in South East Asia to the Japanese.This weakened position set in train a chain of events that ultimately lead to 1997.The story is a fascinating one.Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Asia - General    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. History: World    6. Military - World War II    7. World - Colonial Studies    8. History / Military / World War II   

Reviews (2)

This is a love story of Hong Kong.
Everytime when I read his book, I know how much he loved the world and took care of people & natures. Hong Kong was one of his favorite places. And this is a photo-love story of Hong Kong.

Excellent
For those who grew up in Hong Kong in the late 50's and early60's, thisbook brings back all the memory of what Hong Kong was.Hong Kong's landscape had changed at least 3 to 4 times in the past thirty years. Most of the familiar street corners are now huge faceless shopping malls. This book reminds me what Hong Kong was, the one which would stay with me for the rest of my life.It is a must have for the mature boomers from that era. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. History - General History    3. Individual Photographer    4. Individual Photographers And Their Work    5. Photo Essays    6. Photoessays & Documentaries    7. Photography    8. Hong Kong    9. Photographs: collections    10. Photography / General   

Reviews (1)

great stuff!
nice printing, and informative text. some really interesting art here. you won't be dissapointed. all the work is very well documented, and the source material is all listed nicely at the end. great job! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. China    4. Comic books, strips, etc    5. Comic books, strips, etc.    6. Criticism    7. History and criticism    8. Hong Kong    9. Techniques - Cartooning    10. Art / Cartooning    11. Comic book & cartoon art   

Reviews (8)

A great book for newbies!
If the films of Jackie Chan and Jet Li have just gotten you interested in Hong Kong cinema, then this is an excellent book to read to learn more about the HK film industry and what other movies you might want to check out. It's a fun and easy read, featuring reviews and commentaries by several "guest authors" that help make it a rounded volume. From old school kung fu films to new wave filmmakers, this book touches on almost all of them and will leave you excited and ready to explore the wacky world of Hong Kong cinema.

Great insight to the HK movie industry
Stefan has written an excellent book on the much misunderstood world of HK cinema. This is a cleverly written train of thought book on all aspects of the industry. It is imformative enough for the true HK buffs and easy for the uninitiated to understand.

Hong Kong cinema buffs rejoice!
A wonderful follow-up to Hammond's first foray into Hong Kong cinema, Sex and Zen & Bullet in the Head, Hollywood East is a more detailed account of Hong Kong cinema today.The book has a forward by Michelle Yeoh.The book is organized in the following manner: 1) an overview of Hong Kong, thecity, where to purchase movies and memorabilia, where to see movies, and afunny aside of the top ten Hong Kong imagined dangers followed up by thetop ten real dangers.Hammond seeks to dispel the mythical Hong Kong asporrtrayed by film and present briefly the real Hong Kong where millionsreside. 2) An intro to the astounding work of Johnny To and Milky WayProductions. For those in the know, it will be a fun review and to theuninitiated, Hammond provides a starting point of these must see films 3) asimilar overview for Wong Kar Wai 4) an overview of cop/triad films 5) anoverview of martial arts films including an extensive review of ShawBrother's filmography - a must read for Shaw Brothers junkies! 6) the HongKong horror genre 7) Jackie Chan and his films 8) sexy chick flicks andgirls with guns 9) Jet Li and his films 10) John Woo and his films 11)crazy stunts and the stories behind them 12) extreme cinema, shock cinemafor example: the Untold Story 13) other resources including web listings Also included are very funny inserts called "Hex Errors" thathave outrageously translated subtitles for each section and a glossary ofterminology.There is also a 16 page color insert of mini biographies ofup and coming stars including: Michelle Yeoh, Shu Qi, Karen Mok, MichaelWong, Aaron Kwok, Pinky Cheung, Aimen Wong, Athena Chu, Christy Chung,Takeshi Kaneshiro, Kelly Chen, Gigi Lai, Sam Lee, Wu Chien-Lien, MichelleReis and Gigi Leung.One does wonder how Yeoh fits in this categorythough.The book is fun, easy to read and factfilled for repeated reading. A must for all Hong Kong cinema buffs! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. China    2. Film & Video - General    3. Film & Video - History & Criticism    4. Film - History & Criticism    5. Hong Kong    6. Motion Picture Industry    7. Motion picture actors and actr    8. Motion picture actors and actresses    9. Motion picture producers and d    10. Motion picture producers and directors    11. Motion pictures    12. Novelty    13. Performing Arts    14. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    15. Films, cinema   

Reviews (1)

A Both/And Perspective for analysing colonial governance
Reading Hong KOng's History makes me feel so ignorance with a place where I grow up. Unlike some popular readings about the colonial governance in there, this book proffers us a both/and perspective of the colonial history of hong kong. It also re-articulated the relations between the colonisers and the colonised. Both resistance and collaboration are mentioned in this book. Both the elites and the grassroots are analysed in this book. The sophisticated relations between the British colonisers, the Chinese compradors, trade and political middleman, original habitants in rural areas, etc are opened up in front of reader another picture about hong kong's colonial era. True, Hong KOng's History is a post-colonial reading of the colonial history. However, it has provided lot of new primary resources to evindence that have been wittingly neglected by some famous hong kong coloinal historians. Through the both/and perspective, this book gives a more precise explanation of why hong kong being one of the Asian Miracles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Asia - Japan    3. Great Britain    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. Hong Kong (China)    8. Politics and government    9. Social conditions    10. Asian / Middle Eastern history    11. China    12. Colonization & independence    13. Economic history    14. Hong Kong    15. Social Science / Ethnic Studies    16. Social history   

Reviews (9)

Thumbs up from a "local"
Although I've been living in the States for years now, I am a Hong Kong "local" who grew up not too far away from the Fourseas Hotel where young Booth began his adventures in Hong Kong. Booth's memoir brought me right back to Hong Kong, as if I could see the foggy harbor, smell the joss sticks burning in a temple and hear the chatter from busy dai-pai-dongs. Booth's description of Hong Kong is so vivid and lively that I felt I was right there with him roaming all over Kowloon and the Peak. The way Booth intertwined the story with his adventures in Hong Kong and his parents strained marriage makes the book a very interesting read. I can feel Booth's love for Hong Kong throughout his writing, and as a local, I'm proud to know that a Gweilo loves my hometown as much as I do.
A Different Place to Grow Up
Seven years old in 1952 was a good time for a boy to spend time in Hong Kong. At that age you have not had time to become so set in your ways that when a whole new life beckons you can jump in to the fullest. Learning a new language, even Chinese, just happens like you learned your first language. And when your memories are fond, you can report on the characters you met with kindness and humor.
Going Monkey Native
I'd never heard of English author Martin Booth before. He wrote this personal memoir, recounting 3 years of his childhood in Hong Kong in the early 1950s, just before he recently died of brain cancer. He dedicated the book to his own children, as a way to pass on the story of his life to them. It reads like a novel - one incredible adventure after the next of a boy of 7 let loose on the streets of Hong Kong in the wild years after WWII. It also details the breakdown of the marriage of his mother and father. This is a real treasure trove, a look at the world through the new eyes of a child, but guided by the wise older hand of an older author. I feel like I have traveled and lived in Hong Kong - the sites, sounds, smells - the culture, food, weather, animals, people - all brilliantly alive and real. I also have a better sense of the Chinese and what it means to be Chinese, and a desire to learn more. I only wish Martin had a memoir of his entire life! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Childhood Memoir    7. Description And Travel    8. Essays & Travelogues    9. Historical - General    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Travel / Asia / China   

Editorial Review

This is the most colorful and entertaining history of Hong Kong action cinema available. Bey Logan traces the genre from its genesis in the late 1940s until the 1990s, enhancing his story with biographies, select filmographies, and 10-best lists. Though Logan focuses on superstars such as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and John Woo, he also takes time to describe how Hong Kong action cinema blends with other genres. He devotes chapters of his book to Hong Kong comedy, horror, and fantasy as well as to the series of action films that feature female protagonists. Logan concludes the book by looking toward the future of this cinema and the "New Dragons Rising" who could be its next stars. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

(does backflip to papery rustling sound)
Realizing (again) that i don't have to settle for american crud, i dug this book out and marveled again. Color, b/w photos, comprehensive listings (to '95), good taste, smooth and infectiously enthusiastic writing - A+!

ONE OF THE BETTER ONES ON THE SUBJECT
This is easily one of the better books out there on this particular subject.Written by a westerner,the author has a fairly impressive amount of information here that doesn't usually get mentioned in books like this.It is obvious that he really loves the material,this isn't a dry scholarly read - a fun book!
Another fine guide to the Hong Kong Cinema.
Hong Kong Action Cinema by Bey Logan is another good guide to one of the most innovative film corporations.The films that have come out of Hong Kong are a lot of fun and a lot more creative than the cookie cutter homogenized celluloid clones that Hollywood continues to crank out ad nasuem.Although Bey Logan doesn't go too deep into the history of the cinema (he's very opinionated) he gives the reader enough to go out and seek out the movies and other information themselves.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Action/Adventure Films    2. Adventure films    3. China    4. Cinema/Film: Book    5. Film & Video - General    6. Film & Video - Guides & Reviews    7. Hand-to-hand fighting, Oriental, in motion pictures    8. History and criticism    9. Hong Kong    10. Motion pictures    11. Performing Arts    12. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    13. Television - Guides & Reviews    14. Performing Arts / Film / General   

Subjects:  1. History: World    2. 20th century    3. Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 1500 to c 1900    4. Asian / Middle Eastern history: from c 1900 -    5. China    6. Hong Kong    7. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (5)

Not the Slightest Chance: The Defence of Hong Kong, 1941
An exceptional read and a well-researched piece of history, Tony Banham's Not the Slightest Chance: The Defence of Hong Kong, 1941 deserves a place in the library of anyone interested in military history.
An Historic Masterpiece
History is not always, as rank novices think, a clever story of related events but should be an in depth study of how an event unfolded. Tony Banham, unlike his angry critic, fully documented what happened to every unit and every man at all times during the invasion and capture of Hong Kong. With the truth now in hand, others can make valid judgements and place the battle in historical perspective.
Not the Slightest Chance
This is a much needed book on the real history of Hong Kong and the invasion of the Japanese.Tony Banhan did a fantastic job.As a child of a British Officer I was born and grew up in Hong Kong.I never knew what happened to many of my childhood friends' fathers but, I now know thanks to Tony.I was interned along with eleven hundred women and children at Rosary Hill. Many of us that are still living today are so grateful to Tony for giving us the answers that we all needed.This is a great book, it details the exact events that took place hour by hour.Recently while researching information at Nara in D.C., in reference to WW II, I came to appreciate the enourmous work that went into Tony's book.Well done Tony and a big THANK YOU from those of us that lived through it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Campaigns    2. Canada - General    3. China    4. History    5. History - Military / War    6. History: World    7. Hong Kong    8. Hong Kong (China)    9. Military - General    10. Military - World War II    11. Siege, 1941    12. World War, 1939-1945   

Reviews (6)

The HK Cinema Book I Pull Down from the Shelf Most Often!
To get the bad out of the way: Disappointing, despite its noble ambitions
THE HONG KONG FILMOGRAPHY 1977-1997 (McFarland & Company, 2000): More than virtually any other Western critic, Canadian writer John Charles has helped to foster a mature consideration of Hong Kong cinema which extends far beyond the narrow confines of cop thrillers and kung fu dramas so beloved of cult movie fans. From his pioneering reviews in 'Video Watchdog' magazine to his ongoing Internet coverage, Charles takes his place alongside the likes of Tony Rayns, Bey Logan, Derek Elley and Paul Fonoroff as both an authority and champion of Chinese popular entertainment, combining personal knowledge of Asian history and culture with an appreciation of the personalities and traditions which underpin much of the HK movie industry. 'The Hong Kong Filmography' (subtitled 'A Complete Reference to 1,100 Films Produced by British Hong Kong Studios') represents the culmination of Charles' love affair with the subject, an encyclopedic overview of the most creative period in HK cinema history, complete with credits and video availability and an incredible index which provides an instant overview of the lives and careers of several hundred actors, directors and technicians. Except for the front cover, there are no illustrations, only columns of closely-packed text, and there's an appreciative foreword by 'Video Watchdog' editor Tim Lucas. Terrific Resource
Despite boasting one of the worst covers I've seen in quite a while, Charles's book is an essential reference guide for anyone with the slightest interest in the rich cinema of Hong Kong. While I may not always agree with the author's assessments of these films, to have all of these films carefully reviewed along with their cast and crew information is invaluable. Boasting an unbearable cover price and no pretty pictures to distract the less literate (like me), The Hong Kong Filmography isn't perfect but it's darned close. (ISBN: 0786408421) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - General    2. Catalogs    3. China    4. Film & Video - General    5. Film & Video - History & Criticism    6. General    7. Hong Kong    8. Motion pictures    9. Performing Arts    10. Performing Arts/Dance    11. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    12. Bibliographies, catalogues, discographies    13. Films, cinema    14. United Kingdom, Great Britain    15. c 1970 to c 1980    16. c 1990 to c 2000   

Editorial Review

On July 1, 1997, the last European-ruled province in Asia, Hong Kong, will revert to Chinese rule, marking the first time in 500 years that Europe did not have a colonial presence on the continent. During much of that five-century span, Keay writes, the European powers behaved rather badly far from home in the headlong rush to secure riches. The Asian nations took much time to respond, but when they did, Europe was sent reeling from much of the continent, especially after World War II when countries newly liberated from Japan decided not to accept another yoke. Keay takes on a huge subject and covers it well, at least in outline, in 400 pages. He raises enough questions, however, to send the reader on to many other books. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent overview of Western empires in East Asia
At one time almost all of the countries of East Asia - over half of the world's population if one included India - were under varying degrees of colonial control by the nations of the Netherlands, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Some of these areas had been under imperial control for centuries, yet within a few decades of the end of World War II, all were to one degree or another independent. Parts of the Netherlands East Indies never saw Dutch rule reinstated after the war and those that did only experienced it for five trouble-filled years. France would hang on in Indo-China for only nine years and at the cost of incessant trouble in the south and a major war with the north. While the British in Malaya and Borneo did manage to put down an insurrection and restore economic prosperity, they too would be out within twelve years of the end of World War II.
A simple guide to the end of colonialism in Asia
John Keay seems to love Asia.In this book he deals with the factors that brought the end of European's empires (and Non-European empires) in Asia.He talks about Nationalism, Communism, the Great Depression and World War Two.Cut into three parts or 'books' each chapter focuses on another empire or region of Asia. The Dutch, the English, the French, the Americans and even touches on the Japanese and their invasions.Background is given and how the different nations dealt with their 'subjects' and their goals.Full of history, a must for anybody interested in Asia's history or on how colonialism seems to work.Some overlap because he has to run up and down time when moving from one part of Asia to another, but comes with a simple map and full of humor. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia    2. Asia - General    3. Asia, Southeastern    4. East Asia    5. East Asia - History    6. Far East    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Imperialism    11. Southeast Asia    12. Southeast Asia - History    13. East Asia, Far East    14. History / General    15. South East Asia    16. World history   

Features

• Bargain Price

Reviews (8)

Interesting but a bit slow...
I bought this book because I am interested in history and what really happened with the plague.I started reading this book and realized that even though parts of the book were interesting and read like a novel with a story line, there were also very slow parts that I skimmed over.I think it is a good book for history or medical majors, but not great for everyday people looking for an interesting read.A bit slow and plodding for my taste.

Plague is not gone, just forgotten
A great and resource heavy book. Enjoyed very much. My hubby took it away half way through my reading and I didn't get it back till he was finished.
rivalry between two scientists
Edward Marriott's book is an interesting, well-written, anecdoctalaccount of two rival scientists studying the plaguethat struck Hong Kong in 1894.In the light of present day news stories of mad-cow disease, SARS, and other exotic ailments that possibly could pose a pandemic threat, Marriott's book is especially relevant.Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. China    3. Diseases    4. History    5. Hong Kong (Special Administrat    6. Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region)    7. Life Sciences - Bacteriology    8. Medical / Nursing    9. Modern - 19th Century    10. Plague    11. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    12. Science    13. Science/Mathematics    14. History / General    15. Bargain   

Editorial Review

By including a history of Hong Kong's movie industry; interviews with 31leading filmmakers, actors, and actresses; plot summaries of some of the better and moreinfluential Hong Kong films of the post-war period; and "recommendedviewing" lists from 12 critics, Read more

Reviews (6)

A good introduction to the Hong Kong Cinema.
Hong Kong Babylon is one of the better books about the wild and entertaining world of Hong Kong Cinema.The writers briefly touch all the bases with the information provided.Get this book and the one by Bey Logan and you'll have a nice overall view of this cinema.
Read it for Barry Long's wonderul summaries!
Unfortunately, Fred Dannen's interviews are much too short so if you're looking for an in-depth look into the Hong Kong film business this isn't it.However, the book has a substantial section summarizing/commenting on hundreds of films and they are wonderfully written by Barry Long, a true connossieur of Hong Kong cinema.

A VERY FRUSTRTATING WORK
This book could have been so much more that what it is.The author had interviews with many of the top stars and directors inHong Kong Cinema, and yet the interviews of such notables as Jet Li, Chow Yun Fat, Jackie Chan, and Michelle Yeoh are barely a page-and-a-half. While it does provide some wonderful information, the bulk of the book is plot summaries and reviews; while the summaries might be helpful, I think most people would have been more interested in what the people involved in the business have to say. Ultimately, my main take on this book is that it was a squaundered oppurtunity for the author to have access to so many well known stars only toreduce them to 5 or 6 comments in a book of this size.Magazine interviews are longer than the interviews found in this book.It's worth reading, but just speaking for myself, it was little more thana tease. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catalogs    2. China    3. Film & Video - General    4. Film - Guides & Reviews    5. Film - History & Criticism    6. Hong Kong    7. Interviews    8. Motion picture actors and actresses    9. Motion picture producers and directors    10. Motion pictures    11. Performing Arts    12. Performing Arts/Dance    13. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    14. Popular Culture   

Reviews (1)

Inconsistent
Some of the articles are well written but others are very repetitious and not rich in analysis.They are usually very short, and chould have been developed more. �@More careful analysis needed.They also use a lot of"I's" in their writing.They emphasize a lot on their ownexperience, not what others think.Not really academically written. Someauthors just repeat the same thing over and over again, which makes thewhole book dull.One advantage is that it is easy to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. China    3. Cinema/Film: Book    4. Film & Video - General    5. Film & Video - History & Criticism    6. Film And Society    7. Hong Kong    8. Motion pictures    9. Performing Arts    10. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    11. Taiwan    12. Films, cinema   

Reviews (1)

Interesting book on post-1997 Hong Kong
I think this is an interesting book on post-1997 Hong Kong. The authors have documented many of the changes in Hong Kong society over the past few years after the sovereignty of Hong Kong has reverted to China. The narrative is well-written and the arguments are mostly cogent and well thought out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Government - Comparative    3. History    4. History & Theory - General    5. History: World    6. Politics / Current Events   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business and politics    3. Business/Economics    4. Businesspeople    5. China    6. Economic History    7. Economic History - 20th Century    8. Guangdong Sheng    9. History    10. Hong Kong    11. Merchants    12. Political History    13. Political activity