Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
In On Their Own Terms, Benjamin A. Elman offers a much-needed synthesis of early Chinese science during the Jesuit period (1600-1800) and the modern sciences as they evolved in China under Protestant influence (1840s-1900). By 1600 Europe was ahead of Asia in producing basic machines, such as clocks, levers, and pulleys, that would be necessary for the mechanization of agriculture and industry. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Elman shows, Europeans still sought from the Chinese their secrets of producing silk, fine textiles, and porcelain, as well as large-scale tea cultivation. Chinese literati borrowed in turn new algebraic notations of Hindu-Arabic origin, Tychonic cosmology, Euclidian geometry, and various computational advances. Since the middle of the nineteenth century, imperial reformers, early Republicans, Guomindang party cadres, and Chinese Communists have all prioritized science and technology. In this book, Elman gives a nuanced account of the ways in which native Chinese science evolved over four centuries, under the influence of both Jesuit and Protestant missionaries. In the end, he argues, the Chinese produced modern science on their own terms.
"This book is published in conjunction with the exhibition, Christianity in Asia: sacred art and visual splendour, presented at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore, from 27 May to 11 September 2016"--Title page verso.
In 'History of the Fan' by G. Woolliscroft Rhead, readers are taken on a fascinating journey through the cultural and historical significance of fans. This detailed account explores the evolution of fans from practical tools to symbols of status and fashion, illuminating their significance in various societies. Rhead's writing style is engaging and informative, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the social history of everyday objects. The author's meticulous research and attention to detail provide a comprehensive overview of the fan's role in different cultures and time periods. G. Woolliscroft Rhead, a renowned expert in decorative arts and material culture, brings his expertise to 'History of the Fan' by delving into the rich history and symbolism of this often overlooked accessory. Rhead's extensive knowledge and passion for the subject shine through in his meticulous exploration of the fan's evolution and cultural significance. I highly recommend 'History of the Fan' to readers interested in cultural history, decorative arts, or fashion studies. Rhead's thorough examination of this everyday object sheds light on its often overlooked importance and provides valuable insights into the social and cultural dynamics surrounding it.
Excerpt from The Earthenware Collector As old as civilization it self, the art of the potter presents a kaleidoscope of alluring charm. To paraphrase the word of Alexandre Brongniart, no branch of industry, viewed in reference either to its history or its theory, or its practice, offers more that is interesting and fascinating, regarding alike its economic application and its artistic aspect, than does the fictile art; nor exhibits products more simple, more varied, and their frailty notwithstanding, more desirable. Of course the crude vessels of ancient times, as well as the more serviceable and scientifically more beautiful articles of to-day, exist primarily for one and the same object the use and convenience of man. The story of the potter and his technique has been told repeatedly, sometimes as a general survey and sometimes as a specialised branch of a widely extended subject, but notwithstanding the numerous books devoted to it there is always something new to be recorded, fresh pieces to describe, new points to advance and discuss. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.
"Tobacco has been pervasive in China almost since its introduction from the Americas in the mid-sixteenth century. One-third of the world's smokers--over 350 million--now live in China, and they account for 25 percent of worldwide smoking-related deaths. This book examines the deep roots of China's contemporary "cigarette culture" and smoking epidemic and provides one of the first comprehensive histories of Chinese consumption in global and comparative perspective"--Provided by publisher.