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Rating: 
Summary: Walking on the Mountain of Fame
Review: Professor Willis has, in this fine book, made a substantial contribution to the knowledge of Chinese history for those who read in English. Mountain of Fame is an exciting overview of famous persons from China's prehistoric heroes to today's names in the news. The book consists of twenty chapters, most of them dedicated to an individual who embodies some essential aspect of their milieu much in the same tradition as Plutarch's Lives describes the historic noble Greeks and Romans. The penultimate and last chapters are dedicated to multiple persons and the flurry of events that has propelled China into a leading position in today's world news. This makes them of special interest to those seeking a broad overview on recent events in China. Wills' historical description at the beginning of each chapter offers a necessary context for understand the person he has chosen to discuss. I have used this book for enjoyment and as reference repeatedly since adding it to my collection. This book may not be the best place to start learning Chinese history. However, I think that if the reader has some interest in the subject and a little exposure to Chinese philosophy, language or history this book makes an invaluable addition to any ones library.
Rating:
Summary: Walking on the Mountain of Fame
Review: Professor Willis has, in this fine book, made a substantial contribution to the knowledge of Chinese history for those who read in English. Mountain of Fame is an exciting overview of famous persons from China's prehistoric heroes to today's names in the news. The book consists of twenty chapters, most of them dedicated to an individual who embodies some essential aspect of their milieu much in the same tradition as Plutarch's Lives describes the historic noble Greeks and Romans. The penultimate and last chapters are dedicated to multiple persons and the flurry of events that has propelled China into a leading position in today's world news. This makes them of special interest to those seeking a broad overview on recent events in China. Wills' historical description at the beginning of each chapter offers a necessary context for understand the person he has chosen to discuss. I have used this book for enjoyment and as reference repeatedly since adding it to my collection. This book may not be the best place to start learning Chinese history. However, I think that if the reader has some interest in the subject and a little exposure to Chinese philosophy, language or history this book makes an invaluable addition to any ones library.
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