China - The Culture (Revised, Ed. 3) (Lands, Peoples, & Cultures (Hardcover)) Paperback – February 15, 2008

China the Culture is a beautiful book with very nice photos. It gives a concise review of each aspect of China's culture, including its religion, food, arts, symbols, horoscope, festivals and traditions. It also includes gamse and hobbies. It is clear and easy to understand, logical, and provides enough historical information, including the Cultural Revolution and how it affected the cultural development during that time period, and the resurgence of Chinese culture. It develops each individual subheading in one or two paragraphs, but gives enough information, including tieing in Chinese religious beliefs or political climate. A very good introduction to Chinese culture. It is good for the grade school or junior high school classroom and can also be used for research in high school or for those new to Chinese culture.

The book on Japan is a real rip off. It consist of just a few pages. Not worth the inflated price.

写真がどうも古臭いけど、それも古きよき日本を伝えようとしているのかもと、思えばいい本。外国人からみた日本の解説。通訳などを目指し勉強したいと思っている方にはいいかもしれません。個人的にはこのシリーズ、各国あるようなので他にも読んでみようと思いました。