Adam Williams knows China well and The Palace of Heavenly Pleasure is notable as much for his vivid sense of the land and its people as for being a thumping good melodramatic yarn.

Old-style historical novels tend to see things in black and white--Williams is as fascinated with the cultural misunderstandings and downright oppressions through which Europeans made themselves hated in China as he is with the martyrdoms and heroisms involved in the European experience of the Boxer rising. He has a passionate sense of the complexities--a mystical peasant rebellion found itself co-opted by criminal elements and by an upper class which saw the rebels as shock troops who could be used against Europeans and then disowned.

His sympathies are as much with the ruthlessly pragmatic Mandarin, who believes that he can control the situation by a few regrettable sacrifices, as with the saintly medical missionary Airton, who believes himself incapable of compromise with evil. In spite of its hairsbreadth escapes, sudden reversals and fights on moving trains, Williams' novel is adult in the best sense--the damaged, intense affair between British agent Manners and Helen, the girl he seduces and comes to love, has real passion. --Roz Kaveney

good but could have been better, 13 Jun 2008
an exciting and fascinating, if very sad and harrowing read.
However ... Mr Williams did break every single 'eye' rule in the writing book and it is a mystery to me why his editor did not pick up on this. I spotted it from the start.
As in, 'her eyes went round the room' 'his eyes went over her' - I could go on, there are pages and pages of this in the beginning, and then it seemed as if Mr Williams settled down and got into his writing. Having broken through the 'barrier' of history and faulty writing, the book gained momentum and became what journalists refer to as 'unputdownable' - so it is recommended for that reason, but do watch out for the very bad and lazy writing in the beginning. Watch for those travelling eyes, which, incidentally, never do leave our heads.

Wonderful!!!, 07 Feb 2008
The first few hundred pages of this book are used to set up the scene, time, characters, etc. so it does take a little time to get into the real story but once it gets going, you just can't stop reading it! It took me about a week to get through the first half then I read the second half in one go! This is the first book of this style I have really read - political, war/rebellion, adventure - as it never really appealed to me in the past. But this book, changed my view, the writing style was wonderful, so easy to follow. I just loved the characters and the idea of these stereotypical English folk being involved in rebellions, affairs, escapes on steam trains! Brilliant! I give it 4 stars, not 5, because it took a little perseverance to get to the heart of the story, but overall a brilliant book!

surprising , 02 Aug 2007
this was the first war/policical book i've read and i wasnt sure i would really follow it, but adam williams wrote it in such a way that it was easy to follow and i understood the different sides and what was going on. i thought the romantic storyline alongside the war was brill, he defintly got the mix right so there wasnt one overpowering the other, so you never got bored with too much of one.

the love story follows helen francis, a girl that wants to experience evrything in life, which ends up with her cheating on her husband to be, and getting a drug addiction,and so much more as shes caught up in the war.

i loved the characters, even though they all had their own personal flaws, i got so absorbed into the book i couldnt put it down, and it was always on my mind. i loved this book, and was dissapointed when it came to an end.

i couldnt recommend the book enough, its on of those must reads.

This book has everything...., 16 Sep 2004
...adult liasions, violence, history, romance, intrigue, betrayal and much more. The story and the characters and detailed and complex and the book is so well written that the pages fly by. Each time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Fantastic and highly recommended.

Simply wonderful, 02 Jun 2004
This is an exceptional book. I have had absolutely no social life for 2 weeks while I immersed myself in this complex, vivid journey of China in 1900. I simply did not want to stop reading! Initially I was concerned that I would not enjoy a book focusing on war and politics which do take some patience to plough through as I am not usually a reader of this genre. Once the scene is set however, the plot is romantic, exciting, distressing and I felt bereft once I had finished the last page.

good but could have been better, 13 Jun 2008
an exciting and fascinating, if very sad and harrowing read.
However ... Mr Williams did break every single 'eye' rule in the writing book and it is a mystery to me why his editor did not pick up on this. I spotted it from the start.
As in, 'her eyes went round the room' 'his eyes went over her' - I could go on, there are pages and pages of this in the beginning, and then it seemed as if Mr Williams settled down and got into his writing. Having broken through the 'barrier' of history and faulty writing, the book gained momentum and became what journalists refer to as 'unputdownable' - so it is recommended for that reason, but do watch out for the very bad and lazy writing in the beginning. Watch for those travelling eyes, which, incidentally, never do leave our heads.

Wonderful!!!, 07 Feb 2008
The first few hundred pages of this book are used to set up the scene, time, characters, etc. so it does take a little time to get into the real story but once it gets going, you just can't stop reading it! It took me about a week to get through the first half then I read the second half in one go! This is the first book of this style I have really read - political, war/rebellion, adventure - as it never really appealed to me in the past. But this book, changed my view, the writing style was wonderful, so easy to follow. I just loved the characters and the idea of these stereotypical English folk being involved in rebellions, affairs, escapes on steam trains! Brilliant! I give it 4 stars, not 5, because it took a little perseverance to get to the heart of the story, but overall a brilliant book!

surprising , 02 Aug 2007
this was the first war/policical book i've read and i wasnt sure i would really follow it, but adam williams wrote it in such a way that it was easy to follow and i understood the different sides and what was going on. i thought the romantic storyline alongside the war was brill, he defintly got the mix right so there wasnt one overpowering the other, so you never got bored with too much of one.

the love story follows helen francis, a girl that wants to experience evrything in life, which ends up with her cheating on her husband to be, and getting a drug addiction,and so much more as shes caught up in the war.

i loved the characters, even though they all had their own personal flaws, i got so absorbed into the book i couldnt put it down, and it was always on my mind. i loved this book, and was dissapointed when it came to an end.

i couldnt recommend the book enough, its on of those must reads.

This book has everything...., 16 Sep 2004
...adult liasions, violence, history, romance, intrigue, betrayal and much more. The story and the characters and detailed and complex and the book is so well written that the pages fly by. Each time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Fantastic and highly recommended.

Simply wonderful, 02 Jun 2004
This is an exceptional book. I have had absolutely no social life for 2 weeks while I immersed myself in this complex, vivid journey of China in 1900. I simply did not want to stop reading! Initially I was concerned that I would not enjoy a book focusing on war and politics which do take some patience to plough through as I am not usually a reader of this genre. Once the scene is set however, the plot is romantic, exciting, distressing and I felt bereft once I had finished the last page.

excellent intro to five element theory, 01 Apr 2006
as a student of equine shiatsu (my course also covered human shiatsu) i found this book to provide a clear, easily comprehendable introduction to the five elements. although this book is based around acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine, i found it easy & enjoyable to read (no techno jargon), suitable for students of oriental medicine or just those interested in it. despite the fact that there was a lot that was irrelivant to me, i still enjoyed reading it. i'd recommend it to anyone who wants a basic intro to chinese medical theory.

Profound insight into human nature, 23 Jul 2005
This book is worth buying for its second section ("Types"), in which the authors offer an original and very detailed examination of human character using the Five Phases (elements) as a key. The attributions and correspondences which they supply for each of the elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) draw on a very deep understanding of people and a great wealth of clinical experience. I can honestly say that reading those five or six chapters has enhanced not only my conception of five-phase theory (considerably), but also my insight into my own character and behaviour.

The first section, which summarises the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is quite personal and contains some very unorthodox interpretations; these are not always presented as such, making this book NOT suitable for complete beginners to TCM. Having said that, the introductory chapters are very informative and interesting, highlighting the differences between Oriental and Occidental approaches to medicine in a way which certainly gives pause for thought. Did you know that one report in 1910 was responsible for American medical science following the direction it did? The details are in here.

The third section of the book attempts to cover acupuncture and herbalism in greater depth, and ends up going into far too much detail on herbs in particular (bearing in mind that herbalists will need much more comprehensive texts anyway, and the rest of us have little use for page after page of plant names). Overall, I think it's fair to say that the book suffers from a lack of cohesion and focus. Still, the central thesis as set out in section two is so illuminating (and - as far as I know - unique to these authors) that I can certainly recommend this book to all students of shiatsu, acupuncture, herbalism etc. Don't make it the first book you read (Kaptchuk is probably a better introduction, then Maciocia), but do read it, if only for the bit in the middle!

A high quality book, 06 Sep 1999
Wether or not the book perfectly matches what you are looking for, you are getting quality for your money.

Good Introduction to Oriental Medicine, 12 Jun 1998
This book gives a good foundation for understanding how the Chinese five elements theory is used in clinical practice. The description of five-element theory is very poetically written, so the book is fun to read. There is also a good introduction to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The chapters on acupuncture and herbal medicine are fairly technical, so if you don't have much interest in these areas, you may find the sections boring.

The main problem with the book is it's over-emphasis on the Five Elements. From what I understand, the Chinese five element theory is not regarded as important to diagnosis and treatment in TCM as the theory of yin/yang and chi (in fact, the validity of the theory is still hotly debated in China today) so its treatment here may be a bit over-emphasized.

good but could have been better, 13 Jun 2008
an exciting and fascinating, if very sad and harrowing read.
However ... Mr Williams did break every single 'eye' rule in the writing book and it is a mystery to me why his editor did not pick up on this. I spotted it from the start.
As in, 'her eyes went round the room' 'his eyes went over her' - I could go on, there are pages and pages of this in the beginning, and then it seemed as if Mr Williams settled down and got into his writing. Having broken through the 'barrier' of history and faulty writing, the book gained momentum and became what journalists refer to as 'unputdownable' - so it is recommended for that reason, but do watch out for the very bad and lazy writing in the beginning. Watch for those travelling eyes, which, incidentally, never do leave our heads.

Wonderful!!!, 07 Feb 2008
The first few hundred pages of this book are used to set up the scene, time, characters, etc. so it does take a little time to get into the real story but once it gets going, you just can't stop reading it! It took me about a week to get through the first half then I read the second half in one go! This is the first book of this style I have really read - political, war/rebellion, adventure - as it never really appealed to me in the past. But this book, changed my view, the writing style was wonderful, so easy to follow. I just loved the characters and the idea of these stereotypical English folk being involved in rebellions, affairs, escapes on steam trains! Brilliant! I give it 4 stars, not 5, because it took a little perseverance to get to the heart of the story, but overall a brilliant book!

surprising , 02 Aug 2007
this was the first war/policical book i've read and i wasnt sure i would really follow it, but adam williams wrote it in such a way that it was easy to follow and i understood the different sides and what was going on. i thought the romantic storyline alongside the war was brill, he defintly got the mix right so there wasnt one overpowering the other, so you never got bored with too much of one.

the love story follows helen francis, a girl that wants to experience evrything in life, which ends up with her cheating on her husband to be, and getting a drug addiction,and so much more as shes caught up in the war.

i loved the characters, even though they all had their own personal flaws, i got so absorbed into the book i couldnt put it down, and it was always on my mind. i loved this book, and was dissapointed when it came to an end.

i couldnt recommend the book enough, its on of those must reads.

This book has everything...., 16 Sep 2004
...adult liasions, violence, history, romance, intrigue, betrayal and much more. The story and the characters and detailed and complex and the book is so well written that the pages fly by. Each time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Fantastic and highly recommended.

Simply wonderful, 02 Jun 2004
This is an exceptional book. I have had absolutely no social life for 2 weeks while I immersed myself in this complex, vivid journey of China in 1900. I simply did not want to stop reading! Initially I was concerned that I would not enjoy a book focusing on war and politics which do take some patience to plough through as I am not usually a reader of this genre. Once the scene is set however, the plot is romantic, exciting, distressing and I felt bereft once I had finished the last page.

excellent intro to five element theory, 01 Apr 2006
as a student of equine shiatsu (my course also covered human shiatsu) i found this book to provide a clear, easily comprehendable introduction to the five elements. although this book is based around acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine, i found it easy & enjoyable to read (no techno jargon), suitable for students of oriental medicine or just those interested in it. despite the fact that there was a lot that was irrelivant to me, i still enjoyed reading it. i'd recommend it to anyone who wants a basic intro to chinese medical theory.

Profound insight into human nature, 23 Jul 2005
This book is worth buying for its second section ("Types"), in which the authors offer an original and very detailed examination of human character using the Five Phases (elements) as a key. The attributions and correspondences which they supply for each of the elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) draw on a very deep understanding of people and a great wealth of clinical experience. I can honestly say that reading those five or six chapters has enhanced not only my conception of five-phase theory (considerably), but also my insight into my own character and behaviour.

The first section, which summarises the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is quite personal and contains some very unorthodox interpretations; these are not always presented as such, making this book NOT suitable for complete beginners to TCM. Having said that, the introductory chapters are very informative and interesting, highlighting the differences between Oriental and Occidental approaches to medicine in a way which certainly gives pause for thought. Did you know that one report in 1910 was responsible for American medical science following the direction it did? The details are in here.

The third section of the book attempts to cover acupuncture and herbalism in greater depth, and ends up going into far too much detail on herbs in particular (bearing in mind that herbalists will need much more comprehensive texts anyway, and the rest of us have little use for page after page of plant names). Overall, I think it's fair to say that the book suffers from a lack of cohesion and focus. Still, the central thesis as set out in section two is so illuminating (and - as far as I know - unique to these authors) that I can certainly recommend this book to all students of shiatsu, acupuncture, herbalism etc. Don't make it the first book you read (Kaptchuk is probably a better introduction, then Maciocia), but do read it, if only for the bit in the middle!

A high quality book, 06 Sep 1999
Wether or not the book perfectly matches what you are looking for, you are getting quality for your money.

Good Introduction to Oriental Medicine, 12 Jun 1998
This book gives a good foundation for understanding how the Chinese five elements theory is used in clinical practice. The description of five-element theory is very poetically written, so the book is fun to read. There is also a good introduction to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The chapters on acupuncture and herbal medicine are fairly technical, so if you don't have much interest in these areas, you may find the sections boring.

The main problem with the book is it's over-emphasis on the Five Elements. From what I understand, the Chinese five element theory is not regarded as important to diagnosis and treatment in TCM as the theory of yin/yang and chi (in fact, the validity of the theory is still hotly debated in China today) so its treatment here may be a bit over-emphasized.

The voice of a Chinese American woman, 08 Aug 2007
This book is about the growth of a Chinese girl in America, whose development from girlhood to womanhood is shaped by the stories and voices of her female forebears -- her mother, aunts, and historical and legendary Chinese figures such as Fa Mu Lan and Ts'ai Yen (anyone who's familiar with the original Fa Mu Lan story might find Kingston's version confusing though). The book is no ordinary autobiography as Kingston imaginatively mixes autobiographical details with fictional and imaginative elements to portray her unique experience of growing up as a Chinese American girl/woman. The writer's intention to articulate a voice amid a double-marginalised situation (both racially and sexually) is evident and the book is an essential read for anyone interested in Chinese American literature.

A masterpiece, 30 Jan 2001
A wonder to behold. This book mixes the autobiographical genre with myth and fantasy, everyday language with elegant prose, humor and tragedy. And perhaps the most amazing thing about it is that for all its assessable literary qualities, The Woman Warrior is a poignant personal story that will touch most readers and stay with them for a long time.

good but could have been better, 13 Jun 2008
an exciting and fascinating, if very sad and harrowing read.
However ... Mr Williams did break every single 'eye' rule in the writing book and it is a mystery to me why his editor did not pick up on this. I spotted it from the start.
As in, 'her eyes went round the room' 'his eyes went over her' - I could go on, there are pages and pages of this in the beginning, and then it seemed as if Mr Williams settled down and got into his writing. Having broken through the 'barrier' of history and faulty writing, the book gained momentum and became what journalists refer to as 'unputdownable' - so it is recommended for that reason, but do watch out for the very bad and lazy writing in the beginning. Watch for those travelling eyes, which, incidentally, never do leave our heads.

Wonderful!!!, 07 Feb 2008
The first few hundred pages of this book are used to set up the scene, time, characters, etc. so it does take a little time to get into the real story but once it gets going, you just can't stop reading it! It took me about a week to get through the first half then I read the second half in one go! This is the first book of this style I have really read - political, war/rebellion, adventure - as it never really appealed to me in the past. But this book, changed my view, the writing style was wonderful, so easy to follow. I just loved the characters and the idea of these stereotypical English folk being involved in rebellions, affairs, escapes on steam trains! Brilliant! I give it 4 stars, not 5, because it took a little perseverance to get to the heart of the story, but overall a brilliant book!

surprising , 02 Aug 2007
this was the first war/policical book i've read and i wasnt sure i would really follow it, but adam williams wrote it in such a way that it was easy to follow and i understood the different sides and what was going on. i thought the romantic storyline alongside the war was brill, he defintly got the mix right so there wasnt one overpowering the other, so you never got bored with too much of one.

the love story follows helen francis, a girl that wants to experience evrything in life, which ends up with her cheating on her husband to be, and getting a drug addiction,and so much more as shes caught up in the war.

i loved the characters, even though they all had their own personal flaws, i got so absorbed into the book i couldnt put it down, and it was always on my mind. i loved this book, and was dissapointed when it came to an end.

i couldnt recommend the book enough, its on of those must reads.

This book has everything...., 16 Sep 2004
...adult liasions, violence, history, romance, intrigue, betrayal and much more. The story and the characters and detailed and complex and the book is so well written that the pages fly by. Each time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Fantastic and highly recommended.

Simply wonderful, 02 Jun 2004
This is an exceptional book. I have had absolutely no social life for 2 weeks while I immersed myself in this complex, vivid journey of China in 1900. I simply did not want to stop reading! Initially I was concerned that I would not enjoy a book focusing on war and politics which do take some patience to plough through as I am not usually a reader of this genre. Once the scene is set however, the plot is romantic, exciting, distressing and I felt bereft once I had finished the last page.

excellent intro to five element theory, 01 Apr 2006
as a student of equine shiatsu (my course also covered human shiatsu) i found this book to provide a clear, easily comprehendable introduction to the five elements. although this book is based around acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine, i found it easy & enjoyable to read (no techno jargon), suitable for students of oriental medicine or just those interested in it. despite the fact that there was a lot that was irrelivant to me, i still enjoyed reading it. i'd recommend it to anyone who wants a basic intro to chinese medical theory.

Profound insight into human nature, 23 Jul 2005
This book is worth buying for its second section ("Types"), in which the authors offer an original and very detailed examination of human character using the Five Phases (elements) as a key. The attributions and correspondences which they supply for each of the elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) draw on a very deep understanding of people and a great wealth of clinical experience. I can honestly say that reading those five or six chapters has enhanced not only my conception of five-phase theory (considerably), but also my insight into my own character and behaviour.

The first section, which summarises the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is quite personal and contains some very unorthodox interpretations; these are not always presented as such, making this book NOT suitable for complete beginners to TCM. Having said that, the introductory chapters are very informative and interesting, highlighting the differences between Oriental and Occidental approaches to medicine in a way which certainly gives pause for thought. Did you know that one report in 1910 was responsible for American medical science following the direction it did? The details are in here.

The third section of the book attempts to cover acupuncture and herbalism in greater depth, and ends up going into far too much detail on herbs in particular (bearing in mind that herbalists will need much more comprehensive texts anyway, and the rest of us have little use for page after page of plant names). Overall, I think it's fair to say that the book suffers from a lack of cohesion and focus. Still, the central thesis as set out in section two is so illuminating (and - as far as I know - unique to these authors) that I can certainly recommend this book to all students of shiatsu, acupuncture, herbalism etc. Don't make it the first book you read (Kaptchuk is probably a better introduction, then Maciocia), but do read it, if only for the bit in the middle!

A high quality book, 06 Sep 1999
Wether or not the book perfectly matches what you are looking for, you are getting quality for your money.

Good Introduction to Oriental Medicine, 12 Jun 1998
This book gives a good foundation for understanding how the Chinese five elements theory is used in clinical practice. The description of five-element theory is very poetically written, so the book is fun to read. There is also a good introduction to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The chapters on acupuncture and herbal medicine are fairly technical, so if you don't have much interest in these areas, you may find the sections boring.

The main problem with the book is it's over-emphasis on the Five Elements. From what I understand, the Chinese five element theory is not regarded as important to diagnosis and treatment in TCM as the theory of yin/yang and chi (in fact, the validity of the theory is still hotly debated in China today) so its treatment here may be a bit over-emphasized.

The voice of a Chinese American woman, 08 Aug 2007
This book is about the growth of a Chinese girl in America, whose development from girlhood to womanhood is shaped by the stories and voices of her female forebears -- her mother, aunts, and historical and legendary Chinese figures such as Fa Mu Lan and Ts'ai Yen (anyone who's familiar with the original Fa Mu Lan story might find Kingston's version confusing though). The book is no ordinary autobiography as Kingston imaginatively mixes autobiographical details with fictional and imaginative elements to portray her unique experience of growing up as a Chinese American girl/woman. The writer's intention to articulate a voice amid a double-marginalised situation (both racially and sexually) is evident and the book is an essential read for anyone interested in Chinese American literature.

A masterpiece, 30 Jan 2001
A wonder to behold. This book mixes the autobiographical genre with myth and fantasy, everyday language with elegant prose, humor and tragedy. And perhaps the most amazing thing about it is that for all its assessable literary qualities, The Woman Warrior is a poignant personal story that will touch most readers and stay with them for a long time.

Excellent, 22 Jan 2007
The reviews for this product come up a bit higgledy-piggledy, the same reviews appear on the 1 volume abridgement, the 4 volume paperback and the 5 volume library binding set: this review is for the 4 volume paperback set.

Most people nowadays come to the series through Koei's games. This is no bad thing, since any introduction to the Three Kingdoms, howsoever made, is to be welcomed.

What you have here is a pot of dramatised history, analogous to the caveat "based on a true story" as you might see in feature films. The books cover the last days of the Han and go through to the rise of the Jin, concentrating for the most part on the travails of Cao Cao, Liu Bei and the Sun family with a supporting cast of dozens. It's slickly written- at least, the translation makes it slickly written (Chinese literature can be a bit stacatto to Westerners) so well done to Moss Roberts for making it so eminently consumable. It's a thundering read, high paced and conveying very well the spirit of adventure that uncertain times instill in men of virtue.

Factor in the fact that this is an ancient story that has survived intact for many years, you're looking at £25 very well spent.

Spend more money, 18 Oct 2006
It's is worth spending more money on the unadbridged version. This book cuts a lot out of the beginning, like Lu Bu's ordeal at Xia Pei and also Sun Jian's happenings etc. It cuts Sun Ce out completely.

Having read the original(s) I'd say, this is a good buy if you're not sure if you want to spend a fair bit of money. It gives you an idea of what is to come, and if like me, you love, spend more money on the unadbridged versions.

An Epic beyond proportion!!!, 13 Jan 2006
I first got into the Three Kingdoms Era from playing Dynasty Warriors (ok, I admit that's pretty sad). So I got the abridged edition which was much cheaper and read it in under a week, it was so amazing. I just had to buy the complete 5 book set because the abridged version cuts out so many chapters it left me quite unsatisfied, especially near the end.
Words cannot express just how much I loved these books with its tales of heroic deeds, deception and devotion. Cao Cao's stupidity/arrogance is hilarious sometimes. An abridged edition is quite good, as it does cut out some of the 'boring' bits. But then you miss out on some really good chapters. BUY THEM NOW!!!! CAO CAO COMMANDS IT!!!

Wei, Wu & Shu... Let the Battle Commence!!, 22 Jul 2005
The book starts with the fall of the Han dynasty, and the rise of a rebel faction called the Yellow scarves. From this we see the rise and fall of various regional lords vying to rule ancient China. Based on the time period of the same name, the book follows the exploits of Three Kingdoms: Wei, led by Cao Cao, Wu, led by the Sun family and finally the Kingdom of Shu, led by the virtuous Liu Bei.
With a cast of characters longer than the wall of China, the reader is immediatly sucked into the vortex that is the struggle for rule of China, from the rise of the Yellow scarves' rebellion And the oath in the Peach garden, to the final showdown between the Kingdom of Wu, and Kingdom of Wei, which would later become the Jin dynasty.
Much of this story is legend...but this much is true, this is a bloody great read, harder to read than some other books from China (i.e.: Outlaws of the Marsh) but its worth every second you spend reading!

Great book, well worth a read, 14 May 2005
First up, this is the ABRIDGED version of the full story (which racks up some 2500 pages + depending on print). Don't let this detract you from buying though, this is almost a guide if you like to the full book.

After being a long time follower of the Dynasty Warriors series, i figured it was high time i found out just who it was i've bin saving / destroying etc, so i set about finding the books. After a quick scout around, i decided on ordering both this condensed version and the full version. In my opinion this works well as you can get a grasp of the storyline and the basics in this abridged version, then read up on the inbetweens at your convenience.

On to the books themselves, they do not dissapoint, true to form they are an engaging read with tales of heroism a plenty. With characters ranging from the tank-like Lu Bu, to the undying devotion shown by Dian Wei in his defense of Cao Cao.

A truely incredible story which i would recommend to any fan of dynasty warriors, or any reader for that matter. Just bear in mind that the full unabridged version will suck a fair chunk of your life away with all its pages.

good but could have been better, 13 Jun 2008
an exciting and fascinating, if very sad and harrowing read.
However ... Mr Williams did break every single 'eye' rule in the writing book and it is a mystery to me why his editor did not pick up on this. I spotted it from the start.
As in, 'her eyes went round the room' 'his eyes went over her' - I could go on, there are pages and pages of this in the beginning, and then it seemed as if Mr Williams settled down and got into his writing. Having broken through the 'barrier' of history and faulty writing, the book gained momentum and became what journalists refer to as 'unputdownable' - so it is recommended for that reason, but do watch out for the very bad and lazy writing in the beginning. Watch for those travelling eyes, which, incidentally, never do leave our heads.

Wonderful!!!, 07 Feb 2008
The first few hundred pages of this book are used to set up the scene, time, characters, etc. so it does take a little time to get into the real story but once it gets going, you just can't stop reading it! It took me about a week to get through the first half then I read the second half in one go! This is the first book of this style I have really read - political, war/rebellion, adventure - as it never really appealed to me in the past. But this book, changed my view, the writing style was wonderful, so easy to follow. I just loved the characters and the idea of these stereotypical English folk being involved in rebellions, affairs, escapes on steam trains! Brilliant! I give it 4 stars, not 5, because it took a little perseverance to get to the heart of the story, but overall a brilliant book!

surprising , 02 Aug 2007
this was the first war/policical book i've read and i wasnt sure i would really follow it, but adam williams wrote it in such a way that it was easy to follow and i understood the different sides and what was going on. i thought the romantic storyline alongside the war was brill, he defintly got the mix right so there wasnt one overpowering the other, so you never got bored with too much of one.

the love story follows helen francis, a girl that wants to experience evrything in life, which ends up with her cheating on her husband to be, and getting a drug addiction,and so much more as shes caught up in the war.

i loved the characters, even though they all had their own personal flaws, i got so absorbed into the book i couldnt put it down, and it was always on my mind. i loved this book, and was dissapointed when it came to an end.

i couldnt recommend the book enough, its on of those must reads.

This book has everything...., 16 Sep 2004
...adult liasions, violence, history, romance, intrigue, betrayal and much more. The story and the characters and detailed and complex and the book is so well written that the pages fly by. Each time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Fantastic and highly recommended.

Simply wonderful, 02 Jun 2004
This is an exceptional book. I have had absolutely no social life for 2 weeks while I immersed myself in this complex, vivid journey of China in 1900. I simply did not want to stop reading! Initially I was concerned that I would not enjoy a book focusing on war and politics which do take some patience to plough through as I am not usually a reader of this genre. Once the scene is set however, the plot is romantic, exciting, distressing and I felt bereft once I had finished the last page.

excellent intro to five element theory, 01 Apr 2006
as a student of equine shiatsu (my course also covered human shiatsu) i found this book to provide a clear, easily comprehendable introduction to the five elements. although this book is based around acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine, i found it easy & enjoyable to read (no techno jargon), suitable for students of oriental medicine or just those interested in it. despite the fact that there was a lot that was irrelivant to me, i still enjoyed reading it. i'd recommend it to anyone who wants a basic intro to chinese medical theory.

Profound insight into human nature, 23 Jul 2005
This book is worth buying for its second section ("Types"), in which the authors offer an original and very detailed examination of human character using the Five Phases (elements) as a key. The attributions and correspondences which they supply for each of the elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) draw on a very deep understanding of people and a great wealth of clinical experience. I can honestly say that reading those five or six chapters has enhanced not only my conception of five-phase theory (considerably), but also my insight into my own character and behaviour.

The first section, which summarises the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is quite personal and contains some very unorthodox interpretations; these are not always presented as such, making this book NOT suitable for complete beginners to TCM. Having said that, the introductory chapters are very informative and interesting, highlighting the differences between Oriental and Occidental approaches to medicine in a way which certainly gives pause for thought. Did you know that one report in 1910 was responsible for American medical science following the direction it did? The details are in here.

The third section of the book attempts to cover acupuncture and herbalism in greater depth, and ends up going into far too much detail on herbs in particular (bearing in mind that herbalists will need much more comprehensive texts anyway, and the rest of us have little use for page after page of plant names). Overall, I think it's fair to say that the book suffers from a lack of cohesion and focus. Still, the central thesis as set out in section two is so illuminating (and - as far as I know - unique to these authors) that I can certainly recommend this book to all students of shiatsu, acupuncture, herbalism etc. Don't make it the first book you read (Kaptchuk is probably a better introduction, then Maciocia), but do read it, if only for the bit in the middle!

A high quality book, 06 Sep 1999
Wether or not the book perfectly matches what you are looking for, you are getting quality for your money.

Good Introduction to Oriental Medicine, 12 Jun 1998
This book gives a good foundation for understanding how the Chinese five elements theory is used in clinical practice. The description of five-element theory is very poetically written, so the book is fun to read. There is also a good introduction to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The chapters on acupuncture and herbal medicine are fairly technical, so if you don't have much interest in these areas, you may find the sections boring.

The main problem with the book is it's over-emphasis on the Five Elements. From what I understand, the Chinese five element theory is not regarded as important to diagnosis and treatment in TCM as the theory of yin/yang and chi (in fact, the validity of the theory is still hotly debated in China today) so its treatment here may be a bit over-emphasized.

The voice of a Chinese American woman, 08 Aug 2007
This book is about the growth of a Chinese girl in America, whose development from girlhood to womanhood is shaped by the stories and voices of her female forebears -- her mother, aunts, and historical and legendary Chinese figures such as Fa Mu Lan and Ts'ai Yen (anyone who's familiar with the original Fa Mu Lan story might find Kingston's version confusing though). The book is no ordinary autobiography as Kingston imaginatively mixes autobiographical details with fictional and imaginative elements to portray her unique experience of growing up as a Chinese American girl/woman. The writer's intention to articulate a voice amid a double-marginalised situation (both racially and sexually) is evident and the book is an essential read for anyone interested in Chinese American literature.

A masterpiece, 30 Jan 2001
A wonder to behold. This book mixes the autobiographical genre with myth and fantasy, everyday language with elegant prose, humor and tragedy. And perhaps the most amazing thing about it is that for all its assessable literary qualities, The Woman Warrior is a poignant personal story that will touch most readers and stay with them for a long time.

Excellent, 22 Jan 2007
The reviews for this product come up a bit higgledy-piggledy, the same reviews appear on the 1 volume abridgement, the 4 volume paperback and the 5 volume library binding set: this review is for the 4 volume paperback set.

Most people nowadays come to the series through Koei's games. This is no bad thing, since any introduction to the Three Kingdoms, howsoever made, is to be welcomed.

What you have here is a pot of dramatised history, analogous to the caveat "based on a true story" as you might see in feature films. The books cover the last days of the Han and go through to the rise of the Jin, concentrating for the most part on the travails of Cao Cao, Liu Bei and the Sun family with a supporting cast of dozens. It's slickly written- at least, the translation makes it slickly written (Chinese literature can be a bit stacatto to Westerners) so well done to Moss Roberts for making it so eminently consumable. It's a thundering read, high paced and conveying very well the spirit of adventure that uncertain times instill in men of virtue.

Factor in the fact that this is an ancient story that has survived intact for many years, you're looking at £25 very well spent.

Spend more money, 18 Oct 2006
It's is worth spending more money on the unadbridged version. This book cuts a lot out of the beginning, like Lu Bu's ordeal at Xia Pei and also Sun Jian's happenings etc. It cuts Sun Ce out completely.

Having read the original(s) I'd say, this is a good buy if you're not sure if you want to spend a fair bit of money. It gives you an idea of what is to come, and if like me, you love, spend more money on the unadbridged versions.

An Epic beyond proportion!!!, 13 Jan 2006
I first got into the Three Kingdoms Era from playing Dynasty Warriors (ok, I admit that's pretty sad). So I got the abridged edition which was much cheaper and read it in under a week, it was so amazing. I just had to buy the complete 5 book set because the abridged version cuts out so many chapters it left me quite unsatisfied, especially near the end.
Words cannot express just how much I loved these books with its tales of heroic deeds, deception and devotion. Cao Cao's stupidity/arrogance is hilarious sometimes. An abridged edition is quite good, as it does cut out some of the 'boring' bits. But then you miss out on some really good chapters. BUY THEM NOW!!!! CAO CAO COMMANDS IT!!!

Wei, Wu & Shu... Let the Battle Commence!!, 22 Jul 2005
The book starts with the fall of the Han dynasty, and the rise of a rebel faction called the Yellow scarves. From this we see the rise and fall of various regional lords vying to rule ancient China. Based on the time period of the same name, the book follows the exploits of Three Kingdoms: Wei, led by Cao Cao, Wu, led by the Sun family and finally the Kingdom of Shu, led by the virtuous Liu Bei.
With a cast of characters longer than the wall of China, the reader is immediatly sucked into the vortex that is the struggle for rule of China, from the rise of the Yellow scarves' rebellion And the oath in the Peach garden, to the final showdown between the Kingdom of Wu, and Kingdom of Wei, which would later become the Jin dynasty.
Much of this story is legend...but this much is true, this is a bloody great read, harder to read than some other books from China (i.e.: Outlaws of the Marsh) but its worth every second you spend reading!

Great book, well worth a read, 14 May 2005
First up, this is the ABRIDGED version of the full story (which racks up some 2500 pages + depending on print). Don't let this detract you from buying though, this is almost a guide if you like to the full book.

After being a long time follower of the Dynasty Warriors series, i figured it was high time i found out just who it was i've bin saving / destroying etc, so i set about finding the books. After a quick scout around, i decided on ordering both this condensed version and the full version. In my opinion this works well as you can get a grasp of the storyline and the basics in this abridged version, then read up on the inbetweens at your convenience.

On to the books themselves, they do not dissapoint, true to form they are an engaging read with tales of heroism a plenty. With characters ranging from the tank-like Lu Bu, to the undying devotion shown by Dian Wei in his defense of Cao Cao.

A truely incredible story which i would recommend to any fan of dynasty warriors, or any reader for that matter. Just bear in mind that the full unabridged version will suck a fair chunk of your life away with all its pages.

Disappointing, 17 Sep 2007
I always opt for a rough guide when travelling but this one failed to hit the mark. The way it was sectioned was confusing - with a seperate "listings" section at the back for places to eat, shop etc rather than it being included under each geographical district. I gave up using it very quickly and relied on the much smaller but easier to manage "Lonely planet Hong Kong Encounter" with pull out map instead. I also bought the Rough Guide DIRECTIONS: Hong Kong & Macau and would recommend it more than this book as the sections are less confusing!

good but could have been better, 13 Jun 2008
an exciting and fascinating, if very sad and harrowing read.
However ... Mr Williams did break every single 'eye' rule in the writing book and it is a mystery to me why his editor did not pick up on this. I spotted it from the start.
As in, 'her eyes went round the room' 'his eyes went over her' - I could go on, there are pages and pages of this in the beginning, and then it seemed as if Mr Williams settled down and got into his writing. Having broken through the 'barrier' of history and faulty writing, the book gained momentum and became what journalists refer to as 'unputdownable' - so it is recommended for that reason, but do watch out for the very bad and lazy writing in the beginning. Watch for those travelling eyes, which, incidentally, never do leave our heads.

Wonderful!!!, 07 Feb 2008
The first few hundred pages of this book are used to set up the scene, time, characters, etc. so it does take a little time to get into the real story but once it gets going, you just can't stop reading it! It took me about a week to get through the first half then I read the second half in one go! This is the first book of this style I have really read - political, war/rebellion, adventure - as it never really appealed to me in the past. But this book, changed my view, the writing style was wonderful, so easy to follow. I just loved the characters and the idea of these stereotypical English folk being involved in rebellions, affairs, escapes on steam trains! Brilliant! I give it 4 stars, not 5, because it took a little perseverance to get to the heart of the story, but overall a brilliant book!

surprising , 02 Aug 2007
this was the first war/policical book i've read and i wasnt sure i would really follow it, but adam williams wrote it in such a way that it was easy to follow and i understood the different sides and what was going on. i thought the romantic storyline alongside the war was brill, he defintly got the mix right so there wasnt one overpowering the other, so you never got bored with too much of one.

the love story follows helen francis, a girl that wants to experience evrything in life, which ends up with her cheating on her husband to be, and getting a drug addiction,and so much more as shes caught up in the war.

i loved the characters, even though they all had their own personal flaws, i got so absorbed into the book i couldnt put it down, and it was always on my mind. i loved this book, and was dissapointed when it came to an end.

i couldnt recommend the book enough, its on of those must reads.

This book has everything...., 16 Sep 2004
...adult liasions, violence, history, romance, intrigue, betrayal and much more. The story and the characters and detailed and complex and the book is so well written that the pages fly by. Each time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Fantastic and highly recommended.

Simply wonderful, 02 Jun 2004
This is an exceptional book. I have had absolutely no social life for 2 weeks while I immersed myself in this complex, vivid journey of China in 1900. I simply did not want to stop reading! Initially I was concerned that I would not enjoy a book focusing on war and politics which do take some patience to plough through as I am not usually a reader of this genre. Once the scene is set however, the plot is romantic, exciting, distressing and I felt bereft once I had finished the last page.

excellent intro to five element theory, 01 Apr 2006
as a student of equine shiatsu (my course also covered human shiatsu) i found this book to provide a clear, easily comprehendable introduction to the five elements. although this book is based around acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine, i found it easy & enjoyable to read (no techno jargon), suitable for students of oriental medicine or just those interested in it. despite the fact that there was a lot that was irrelivant to me, i still enjoyed reading it. i'd recommend it to anyone who wants a basic intro to chinese medical theory.

Profound insight into human nature, 23 Jul 2005
This book is worth buying for its second section ("Types"), in which the authors offer an original and very detailed examination of human character using the Five Phases (elements) as a key. The attributions and correspondences which they supply for each of the elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) draw on a very deep understanding of people and a great wealth of clinical experience. I can honestly say that reading those five or six chapters has enhanced not only my conception of five-phase theory (considerably), but also my insight into my own character and behaviour.

The first section, which summarises the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is quite personal and contains some very unorthodox interpretations; these are not always presented as such, making this book NOT suitable for complete beginners to TCM. Having said that, the introductory chapters are very informative and interesting, highlighting the differences between Oriental and Occidental approaches to medicine in a way which certainly gives pause for thought. Did you know that one report in 1910 was responsible for American medical science following the direction it did? The details are in here.

The third section of the book attempts to cover acupuncture and herbalism in greater depth, and ends up going into far too much detail on herbs in particular (bearing in mind that herbalists will need much more comprehensive texts anyway, and the rest of us have little use for page after page of plant names). Overall, I think it's fair to say that the book suffers from a lack of cohesion and focus. Still, the central thesis as set out in section two is so illuminating (and - as far as I know - unique to these authors) that I can certainly recommend this book to all students of shiatsu, acupuncture, herbalism etc. Don't make it the first book you read (Kaptchuk is probably a better introduction, then Maciocia), but do read it, if only for the bit in the middle!

A high quality book, 06 Sep 1999
Wether or not the book perfectly matches what you are looking for, you are getting quality for your money.

Good Introduction to Oriental Medicine, 12 Jun 1998
This book gives a good foundation for understanding how the Chinese five elements theory is used in clinical practice. The description of five-element theory is very poetically written, so the book is fun to read. There is also a good introduction to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The chapters on acupuncture and herbal medicine are fairly technical, so if you don't have much interest in these areas, you may find the sections boring.

The main problem with the book is it's over-emphasis on the Five Elements. From what I understand, the Chinese five element theory is not regarded as important to diagnosis and treatment in TCM as the theory of yin/yang and chi (in fact, the validity of the theory is still hotly debated in China today) so its treatment here may be a bit over-emphasized.

The voice of a Chinese American woman, 08 Aug 2007
This book is about the growth of a Chinese girl in America, whose development from girlhood to womanhood is shaped by the stories and voices of her female forebears -- her mother, aunts, and historical and legendary Chinese figures such as Fa Mu Lan and Ts'ai Yen (anyone who's familiar with the original Fa Mu Lan story might find Kingston's version confusing though). The book is no ordinary autobiography as Kingston imaginatively mixes autobiographical details with fictional and imaginative elements to portray her unique experience of growing up as a Chinese American girl/woman. The writer's intention to articulate a voice amid a double-marginalised situation (both racially and sexually) is evident and the book is an essential read for anyone interested in Chinese American literature.

A masterpiece, 30 Jan 2001
A wonder to behold. This book mixes the autobiographical genre with myth and fantasy, everyday language with elegant prose, humor and tragedy. And perhaps the most amazing thing about it is that for all its assessable literary qualities, The Woman Warrior is a poignant personal story that will touch most readers and stay with them for a long time.

Excellent, 22 Jan 2007
The reviews for this product come up a bit higgledy-piggledy, the same reviews appear on the 1 volume abridgement, the 4 volume paperback and the 5 volume library binding set: this review is for the 4 volume paperback set.

Most people nowadays come to the series through Koei's games. This is no bad thing, since any introduction to the Three Kingdoms, howsoever made, is to be welcomed.

What you have here is a pot of dramatised history, analogous to the caveat "based on a true story" as you might see in feature films. The books cover the last days of the Han and go through to the rise of the Jin, concentrating for the most part on the travails of Cao Cao, Liu Bei and the Sun family with a supporting cast of dozens. It's slickly written- at least, the translation makes it slickly written (Chinese literature can be a bit stacatto to Westerners) so well done to Moss Roberts for making it so eminently consumable. It's a thundering read, high paced and conveying very well the spirit of adventure that uncertain times instill in men of virtue.

Factor in the fact that this is an ancient story that has survived intact for many years, you're looking at £25 very well spent.

Spend more money, 18 Oct 2006
It's is worth spending more money on the unadbridged version. This book cuts a lot out of the beginning, like Lu Bu's ordeal at Xia Pei and also Sun Jian's happenings etc. It cuts Sun Ce out completely.

Having read the original(s) I'd say, this is a good buy if you're not sure if you want to spend a fair bit of money. It gives you an idea of what is to come, and if like me, you love, spend more money on the unadbridged versions.

An Epic beyond proportion!!!, 13 Jan 2006
I first got into the Three Kingdoms Era from playing Dynasty Warriors (ok, I admit that's pretty sad). So I got the abridged edition which was much cheaper and read it in under a week, it was so amazing. I just had to buy the complete 5 book set because the abridged version cuts out so many chapters it left me quite unsatisfied, especially near the end.
Words cannot express just how much I loved these books with its tales of heroic deeds, deception and devotion. Cao Cao's stupidity/arrogance is hilarious sometimes. An abridged edition is quite good, as it does cut out some of the 'boring' bits. But then you miss out on some really good chapters. BUY THEM NOW!!!! CAO CAO COMMANDS IT!!!

Wei, Wu & Shu... Let the Battle Commence!!, 22 Jul 2005
The book starts with the fall of the Han dynasty, and the rise of a rebel faction called the Yellow scarves. From this we see the rise and fall of various regional lords vying to rule ancient China. Based on the time period of the same name, the book follows the exploits of Three Kingdoms: Wei, led by Cao Cao, Wu, led by the Sun family and finally the Kingdom of Shu, led by the virtuous Liu Bei.
With a cast of characters longer than the wall of China, the reader is immediatly sucked into the vortex that is the struggle for rule of China, from the rise of the Yellow scarves' rebellion And the oath in the Peach garden, to the final showdown between the Kingdom of Wu, and Kingdom of Wei, which would later become the Jin dynasty.
Much of this story is legend...but this much is true, this is a bloody great read, harder to read than some other books from China (i.e.: Outlaws of the Marsh) but its worth every second you spend reading!

Great book, well worth a read, 14 May 2005
First up, this is the ABRIDGED version of the full story (which racks up some 2500 pages + depending on print). Don't let this detract you from buying though, this is almost a guide if you like to the full book.

After being a long time follower of the Dynasty Warriors series, i figured it was high time i found out just who it was i've bin saving / destroying etc, so i set about finding the books. After a quick scout around, i decided on ordering both this condensed version and the full version. In my opinion this works well as you can get a grasp of the storyline and the basics in this abridged version, then read up on the inbetweens at your convenience.

On to the books themselves, they do not dissapoint, true to form they are an engaging read with tales of heroism a plenty. With characters ranging from the tank-like Lu Bu, to the undying devotion shown by Dian Wei in his defense of Cao Cao.

A truely incredible story which i would recommend to any fan of dynasty warriors, or any reader for that matter. Just bear in mind that the full unabridged version will suck a fair chunk of your life away with all its pages.

Disappointing, 17 Sep 2007
I always opt for a rough guide when travelling but this one failed to hit the mark. The way it was sectioned was confusing - with a seperate "listings" section at the back for places to eat, shop etc rather than it being included under each geographical district. I gave up using it very quickly and relied on the much smaller but easier to manage "Lonely planet Hong Kong Encounter" with pull out map instead. I also bought the Rough Guide DIRECTIONS: Hong Kong & Macau and would recommend it more than this book as the sections are less confusing!

A fabulous book - read it fast.., 24 Feb 2004
Xueqin’s tale of life behind the doors of the Jia mansion is a wonderful picture of eighteenth-century China and a hugely engaging narrative. Bao-yu is the spoilt and cheeky boy hero who can’t resist a pretty face, and Dai-yu is the independent and sensitive heroine (it’s hard not to recall characters in English fiction from the same period such as Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones and Richardson’s Clarissa). He loves her but, as she is a poorer relation, his family would not permit their match. The section at the end of Volume 4 that charts the climax of their relationship is very moving.

Xueqin peoples his text with gripping characters: the fabulously harsh domestic manager Xi-feng, clever maid Patience, refined but out of touch Lady Wang, craven Huan, hot-tempered Jia Zhang and the perennially dissatisfied concubines. The altercations between Bao-yu’s shrewd maids are fun.

I stayed up all night to finish Volume 3 and then couldn't put down Volume 4 during the following day. Although such an approach was perhaps a little addictive, I feel that it is worth reading the book as quickly as possible. The longer you wait between volumes, the more the relationships between characters - and the significance of such relationships - slip from your mind.

Stranger on a train, 22 Dec 2003
I once sat next to a girl on a long-distrance train who was reading the final volume of 'The story of the stone'. As she finished the last page she sighed and said, to nobody in particular, 'I can't believe it's finished...I've lived with these people for so long and now it's all over. I'll just have to start it again...' I decided then that I must read the book and have now got to volume 4. Even now, I know that my feelings when I get to the end of volume 5 will be much the same as those of the girl on the train. This is total involvement with a lost culture and will teach you more about China of the period than many a history book. Read it. Live it. Love these exasperating characters. Then start all over again....

A long, absobing, and rich novel, 08 Feb 2002
A superb, brilliant, moving, charming and very long novel from late 18th century China. Extremely readably translated by David Hawkes (vols 1-3) and John Minford (vols 4 & 5). There is much that is rewarding in the novel: the insight into the intimate domestic life of a Chinese family, the way the three traditions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism weave together in social and personal life; the very likeable characters - especially Bao-yu. It took me four months to read it (I read the short and wonderful Analects of Confucius at the same time too) but it is a book that goes at a leisurely pace anyway. Some while after completing the novel I sat down and wrote a list of all the characters I could remember from it. I wrote down 60 names (and that is despite not knowing any Chinese at all)! It was just living with these characters for such a time that had made them memorable and dear to me.

For me the novel is from a different culture and for all readers it is from a different century. These things makes it less than an easy read at first, but make it all the more rewarding and very, very much worth sticking with to the end.

Excellent but requires initial patience, 15 Aug 1999
This is the first volume of a 5 volume series, and does not stand alone. If you read it, and enjoy it, be prepared to read the other four volumes. The story is difficult to begin with, not for lack of interest, but because of the complexity of Chinese names for the western reader. The book is provided with a useful list of characters for each volume, and after referring to this during the first half the first volume, all becomes clearer for the remainder of the book.

The story itself is a fascinating picture of life in 18th century China, and portrays the development of a young boy who has otherworldly origins. The western reader needs to view dispassionately the Buddhist theme which pervades the novel, but when read with an open mind, the philosophy underlying the novel is both charming and practical (in its own way).

I found the book addictive, though it has to be said that others of my acquaintance found it too difficult to cope with, and abandoned the story before the end of the first volume. If you persevere, it forms a wonderful introduction to classical Chinese literature, and those similarly addicted will find it leads into many other books of Chinese prose and poetry.

Good Attempt on Translating difficult Chinese, 27 Jun 1998
I have just finished reading the Chinese Version of the story (which I would rate as 5 stars), and thought, although the English Version is pretty accurate, it somehow lacks the fluency the story should have. Because of the difficulty for foreign people to imagine the situation, readers are not involved in the story as much and is therefore less effective than some books like the Wild Swan. The translation has definitely lost some tastes from the Chinese version. However if you are a foreigner who wants to explore Chinese culture, or a person who does not understand written Chinese very well (like me), this is still the book to read,for this is a book that can endure repeated reading such that one can inevitably find more and more traces of Cao Xueqin's ingenuity.

good but could have been better, 13 Jun 2008
an exciting and fascinating, if very sad and harrowing read.
However ... Mr Williams did break every single 'eye' rule in the writing book and it is a mystery to me why his editor did not pick up on this. I spotted it from the start.
As in, 'her eyes went round the room' 'his eyes went over her' - I could go on, there are pages and pages of this in the beginning, and then it seemed as if Mr Williams settled down and got into his writing. Having broken through the 'barrier' of history and faulty writing, the book gained momentum and became what journalists refer to as 'unputdownable' - so it is recommended for that reason, but do watch out for the very bad and lazy writing in the beginning. Watch for those travelling eyes, which, incidentally, never do leave our heads.

Wonderful!!!, 07 Feb 2008
The first few hundred pages of this book are used to set up the scene, time, characters, etc. so it does take a little time to get into the real story but once it gets going, you just can't stop reading it! It took me about a week to get through the first half then I read the second half in one go! This is the first book of this style I have really read - political, war/rebellion, adventure - as it never really appealed to me in the past. But this book, changed my view, the writing style was wonderful, so easy to follow. I just loved the characters and the idea of these stereotypical English folk being involved in rebellions, affairs, escapes on steam trains! Brilliant! I give it 4 stars, not 5, because it took a little perseverance to get to the heart of the story, but overall a brilliant book!

surprising , 02 Aug 2007
this was the first war/policical book i've read and i wasnt sure i would really follow it, but adam williams wrote it in such a way that it was easy to follow and i understood the different sides and what was going on. i thought the romantic storyline alongside the war was brill, he defintly got the mix right so there wasnt one overpowering the other, so you never got bored with too much of one.

the love story follows helen francis, a girl that wants to experience evrything in life, which ends up with her cheating on her husband to be, and getting a drug addiction,and so much more as shes caught up in the war.

i loved the characters, even though they all had their own personal flaws, i got so absorbed into the book i couldnt put it down, and it was always on my mind. i loved this book, and was dissapointed when it came to an end.

i couldnt recommend the book enough, its on of those must reads.

This book has everything...., 16 Sep 2004
...adult liasions, violence, history, romance, intrigue, betrayal and much more. The story and the characters and detailed and complex and the book is so well written that the pages fly by. Each time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Fantastic and highly recommended.

Simply wonderful, 02 Jun 2004
This is an exceptional book. I have had absolutely no social life for 2 weeks while I immersed myself in this complex, vivid journey of China in 1900. I simply did not want to stop reading! Initially I was concerned that I would not enjoy a book focusing on war and politics which do take some patience to plough through as I am not usually a reader of this genre. Once the scene is set however, the plot is romantic, exciting, distressing and I felt bereft once I had finished the last page.

excellent intro to five element theory, 01 Apr 2006
as a student of equine shiatsu (my course also covered human shiatsu) i found this book to provide a clear, easily comprehendable introduction to the five elements. although this book is based around acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine, i found it easy & enjoyable to read (no techno jargon), suitable for students of oriental medicine or just those interested in it. despite the fact that there was a lot that was irrelivant to me, i still enjoyed reading it. i'd recommend it to anyone who wants a basic intro to chinese medical theory.

Profound insight into human nature, 23 Jul 2005
This book is worth buying for its second section ("Types"), in which the authors offer an original and very detailed examination of human character using the Five Phases (elements) as a key. The attributions and correspondences which they supply for each of the elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) draw on a very deep understanding of people and a great wealth of clinical experience. I can honestly say that reading those five or six chapters has enhanced not only my conception of five-phase theory (considerably), but also my insight into my own character and behaviour.

The first section, which summarises the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is quite personal and contains some very unorthodox interpretations; these are not always presented as such, making this book NOT suitable for complete beginners to TCM. Having said that, the introductory chapters are very informative and interesting, highlighting the differences between Oriental and Occidental approaches to medicine in a way which certainly gives pause for thought. Did you know that one report in 1910 was responsible for American medical science following the direction it did? The details are in here.

The third section of the book attempts to cover acupuncture and herbalism in greater depth, and ends up going into far too much detail on herbs in particular (bearing in mind that herbalists will need much more comprehensive texts anyway, and the rest of us have little use for page after page of plant names). Overall, I think it's fair to say that the book suffers from a lack of cohesion and focus. Still, the central thesis as set out in section two is so illuminating (and - as far as I know - unique to these authors) that I can certainly recommend this book to all students of shiatsu, acupuncture, herbalism etc. Don't make it the first book you read (Kaptchuk is probably a better introduction, then Maciocia), but do read it, if only for the bit in the middle!

A high quality book, 06 Sep 1999
Wether or not the book perfectly matches what you are looking for, you are getting quality for your money.

Good Introduction to Oriental Medicine, 12 Jun 1998
This book gives a good foundation for understanding how the Chinese five elements theory is used in clinical practice. The description of five-element theory is very poetically written, so the book is fun to read. There is also a good introduction to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The chapters on acupuncture and herbal medicine are fairly technical, so if you don't have much interest in these areas, you may find the sections boring.

The main problem with the book is it's over-emphasis on the Five Elements. From what I understand, the Chinese five element theory is not regarded as important to diagnosis and treatment in TCM as the theory of yin/yang and chi (in fact, the validity of the theory is still hotly debated in China today) so its treatment here may be a bit over-emphasized.

The voice of a Chinese American woman, 08 Aug 2007
This book is about the growth of a Chinese girl in America, whose development from girlhood to womanhood is shaped by the stories and voices of her female forebears -- her mother, aunts, and historical and legendary Chinese figures such as Fa Mu Lan and Ts'ai Yen (anyone who's familiar with the original Fa Mu Lan story might find Kingston's version confusing though). The book is no ordinary autobiography as Kingston imaginatively mixes autobiographical details with fictional and imaginative elements to portray her unique experience of growing up as a Chinese American girl/woman. The writer's intention to articulate a voice amid a double-marginalised situation (both racially and sexually) is evident and the book is an essential read for anyone interested in Chinese American literature.

A masterpiece, 30 Jan 2001
A wonder to behold. This book mixes the autobiographical genre with myth and fantasy, everyday language with elegant prose, humor and tragedy. And perhaps the most amazing thing about it is that for all its assessable literary qualities, The Woman Warrior is a poignant personal story that will touch most readers and stay with them for a long time.

Excellent, 22 Jan 2007
The reviews for this product come up a bit higgledy-piggledy, the same reviews appear on the 1 volume abridgement, the 4 volume paperback and the 5 volume library binding set: this review is for the 4 volume paperback set.

Most people nowadays come to the series through Koei's games. This is no bad thing, since any introduction to the Three Kingdoms, howsoever made, is to be welcomed.

What you have here is a pot of dramatised history, analogous to the caveat "based on a true story" as you might see in feature films. The books cover the last days of the Han and go through to the rise of the Jin, concentrating for the most part on the travails of Cao Cao, Liu Bei and the Sun family with a supporting cast of dozens. It's slickly written- at least, the translation makes it slickly written (Chinese literature can be a bit stacatto to Westerners) so well done to Moss Roberts for making it so eminently consumable. It's a thundering read, high paced and conveying very well the spirit of adventure that uncertain times instill in men of virtue.

Factor in the fact that this is an ancient story that has survived intact for many years, you're looking at £25 very well spent.

Spend more money, 18 Oct 2006
It's is worth spending more money on the unadbridged version. This book cuts a lot out of the beginning, like Lu Bu's ordeal at Xia Pei and also Sun Jian's happenings etc. It cuts Sun Ce out completely.

Having read the original(s) I'd say, this is a good buy if you're not sure if you want to spend a fair bit of money. It gives you an idea of what is to come, and if like me, you love, spend more money on the unadbridged versions.

An Epic beyond proportion!!!, 13 Jan 2006
I first got into the Three Kingdoms Era from playing Dynasty Warriors (ok, I admit that's pretty sad). So I got the abridged edition which was much cheaper and read it in under a week, it was so amazing. I just had to buy the complete 5 book set because the abridged version cuts out so many chapters it left me quite unsatisfied, especially near the end.
Words cannot express just how much I loved these books with its tales of heroic deeds, deception and devotion. Cao Cao's stupidity/arrogance is hilarious sometimes. An abridged edition is quite good, as it does cut out some of the 'boring' bits. But then you miss out on some really good chapters. BUY THEM NOW!!!! CAO CAO COMMANDS IT!!!

Wei, Wu & Shu... Let the Battle Commence!!, 22 Jul 2005
The book starts with the fall of the Han dynasty, and the rise of a rebel faction called the Yellow scarves. From this we see the rise and fall of various regional lords vying to rule ancient China. Based on the time period of the same name, the book follows the exploits of Three Kingdoms: Wei, led by Cao Cao, Wu, led by the Sun family and finally the Kingdom of Shu, led by the virtuous Liu Bei.
With a cast of characters longer than the wall of China, the reader is immediatly sucked into the vortex that is the struggle for rule of China, from the rise of the Yellow scarves' rebellion And the oath in the Peach garden, to the final showdown between the Kingdom of Wu, and Kingdom of Wei, which would later become the Jin dynasty.
Much of this story is legend...but this much is true, this is a bloody great read, harder to read than some other books from China (i.e.: Outlaws of the Marsh) but its worth every second you spend reading!

Great book, well worth a read, 14 May 2005
First up, this is the ABRIDGED version of the full story (which racks up some 2500 pages + depending on print). Don't let this detract you from buying though, this is almost a guide if you like to the full book.

After being a long time follower of the Dynasty Warriors series, i figured it was high time i found out just who it was i've bin saving / destroying etc, so i set about finding the books. After a quick scout around, i decided on ordering both this condensed version and the full version. In my opinion this works well as you can get a grasp of the storyline and the basics in this abridged version, then read up on the inbetweens at your convenience.

On to the books themselves, they do not dissapoint, true to form they are an engaging read with tales of heroism a plenty. With characters ranging from the tank-like Lu Bu, to the undying devotion shown by Dian Wei in his defense of Cao Cao.

A truely incredible story which i would recommend to any fan of dynasty warriors, or any reader for that matter. Just bear in mind that the full unabridged version will suck a fair chunk of your life away with all its pages.

Disappointing, 17 Sep 2007
I always opt for a rough guide when travelling but this one failed to hit the mark. The way it was sectioned was confusing - with a seperate "listings" section at the back for places to eat, shop etc rather than it being included under each geographical district. I gave up using it very quickly and relied on the much smaller but easier to manage "Lonely planet Hong Kong Encounter" with pull out map instead. I also bought the Rough Guide DIRECTIONS: Hong Kong & Macau and would recommend it more than this book as the sections are less confusing!

A fabulous book - read it fast.., 24 Feb 2004
Xueqin’s tale of life behind the doors of the Jia mansion is a wonderful picture of eighteenth-century China and a hugely engaging narrative. Bao-yu is the spoilt and cheeky boy hero who can’t resist a pretty face, and Dai-yu is the independent and sensitive heroine (it’s hard not to recall characters in English fiction from the same period such as Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones and Richardson’s Clarissa). He loves her but, as she is a poorer relation, his family would not permit their match. The section at the end of Volume 4 that charts the climax of their relationship is very moving.

Xueqin peoples his text with gripping characters: the fabulously harsh domestic manager Xi-feng, clever maid Patience, refined but out of touch Lady Wang, craven Huan, hot-tempered Jia Zhang and the perennially dissatisfied concubines. The altercations between Bao-yu’s shrewd maids are fun.

I stayed up all night to finish Volume 3 and then couldn't put down Volume 4 during the following day. Although such an approach was perhaps a little addictive, I feel that it is worth reading the book as quickly as possible. The longer you wait between volumes, the more the relationships between characters - and the significance of such relationships - slip from your mind.

Stranger on a train, 22 Dec 2003
I once sat next to a girl on a long-distrance train who was reading the final volume of 'The story of the stone'. As she finished the last page she sighed and said, to nobody in particular, 'I can't believe it's finished...I've lived with these people for so long and now it's all over. I'll just have to start it again...' I decided then that I must read the book and have now got to volume 4. Even now, I know that my feelings when I get to the end of volume 5 will be much the same as those of the girl on the train. This is total involvement with a lost culture and will teach you more about China of the period than many a history book. Read it. Live it. Love these exasperating characters. Then start all over again....

A long, absobing, and rich novel, 08 Feb 2002
A superb, brilliant, moving, charming and very long novel from late 18th century China. Extremely readably translated by David Hawkes (vols 1-3) and John Minford (vols 4 & 5). There is much that is rewarding in the novel: the insight into the intimate domestic life of a Chinese family, the way the three traditions of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism weave together in social and personal life; the very likeable characters - especially Bao-yu. It took me four months to read it (I read the short and wonderful Analects of Confucius at the same time too) but it is a book that goes at a leisurely pace anyway. Some while after completing the novel I sat down and wrote a list of all the characters I could remember from it. I wrote down 60 names (and that is despite not knowing any Chinese at all)! It was just living with these characters for such a time that had made them memorable and dear to me.

For me the novel is from a different culture and for all readers it is from a different century. These things makes it less than an easy read at first, but make it all the more rewarding and very, very much worth sticking with to the end.

Excellent but requires initial patience, 15 Aug 1999
This is the first volume of a 5 volume series, and does not stand alone. If you read it, and enjoy it, be prepared to read the other four volumes. The story is difficult to begin with, not for lack of interest, but because of the complexity of Chinese names for the western reader. The book is provided with a useful list of characters for each volume, and after referring to this during the first half the first volume, all becomes clearer for the remainder of the book.

The story itself is a fascinating picture of life in 18th century China, and portrays the development of a young boy who has otherworldly origins. The western reader needs to view dispassionately the Buddhist theme which pervades the novel, but when read with an open mind, the philosophy underlying the novel is both charming and practical (in its own way).

I found the book addictive, though it has to be said that others of my acquaintance found it too difficult to cope with, and abandoned the story before the end of the first volume. If you persevere, it forms a wonderful introduction to classical Chinese literature, and those similarly addicted will find it leads into many other books of Chinese prose and poetry.

Good Attempt on Translating difficult Chinese, 27 Jun 1998
I have just finished reading the Chinese Version of the story (which I would rate as 5 stars), and thought, although the English Version is pretty accurate, it somehow lacks the fluency the story should have. Because of the difficulty for foreign people to imagine the situation, readers are not involved in the story as much and is therefore less effective than some books like the Wild Swan. The translation has definitely lost some tastes from the Chinese version. However if you are a foreigner who wants to explore Chinese culture, or a person who does not understand written Chinese very well (like me), this is still the book to read,for this is a book that can endure repeated reading such that one can inevitably find more and more traces of Cao Xueqin's ingenuity.

Wrong Translations, 23 Jun 2008
The story and history itself is great however this particular version of the book is filled with incorect translations with Liu Bei being Liu Pei, Cao Cao being Ts'ao Ts'ao and not only is pretty much every name slightly wrong but even items such as Kuan Yu's (properly translated Guan Yu's) weapon being refered to as the Black dragon when its the green dragon so dont let my review put you off the book just dont buy this edition

Beats Iliad, 03 Jul 2005
As a military history fan I picked up this book several months ago and I must say it's one of the best purchases I've ever made.

Romance of three kingdoms focus on arguably the most chaotic and ruthless period of the acient China (220-280 AD), shortly after the collapse of eastern Han dynasty, over a dozen warlords rose to power in the name of 'Restoration of Han', this book is based on three major power, Shu, Wei, Wu and their constant struggle for power. Instead on focusing on warfare itself, this book gives absolutely brilliant account on deceptions, trickery, use of intelligence, as well as cunning diplomatic solutions behind the warfares. Clearly, Sun Tzu's Art of war has infulenced the author greatly.

The only problem about the book is the character names, as the translated Chinese names seem to running to each other every two paragraphs, it takes alot of memorization. But if you have the patience, it will pay off soon.

However, some famous battles mentioned in this novel was not well chronicled, it's highly likely many historical details are simply made up. And the purpose of Shu is probably not as noble as the book portrayed. But as a novel, it's unparalleled.

Read, if you want to know what deception means.

China's best loved epic, 05 Apr 2005
Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a fantastic story about the struggle of the Han empire. The first novel concentrates on the rise of the "Three Kingdoms" period, which begins life as a strategy for balancing power between the three main rivals. I use the word fantastic because the stories in this book were recorded by those who were there at the time, but they were also passed through word of mouth all around China. Therefore parts of the story are exaggerated and twisted in the telling (or writing). There are also spectacular observations of shamanistic type magic and very advanced healing methods, Hero's of epic proportions and might, and characters with very interesting traits. This book contains a great balance between an epic dialogue concerning the main protagonists and several short moral stories about specific characters. It also gives you a great sense of Chinese culture, the story being about the re-uniting of the three factions in order to re-form China.

ROTK, 09 Nov 2004
This review is looking at both books one and two as they are meant to be read together.These books are a good blend of History and Fiction. Focusing on the major powers in the 'Three Kingdoms' period, it looks mostly at the eponymous kingdoms, Wu, Shu and Wei. The fact that the novelist lived at the time is a mixed blessing. On one hand he has a keen insight into the events and the context surrounding them. Unfortunately, his early ancestors sided with Shu's leader Liu Bei (or Pei). The bias placed on the Shu characters can get a little grating at times and it places questions on the texts overall validity. However, it remains a good read and highlights an intruiging clash of ideologies, each faction representing one style of rule. You'll soon find yourself siding with one side or another, and when you do the books become difficult to put down.

One of the worlds oldest, and greatest novels, 29 Jul 2004
This is undoubtedly the greatest of all books. It focuses on three men who lived at the end of the China's Han dynasty and displays their struggle to prevent its downfall. It is very long, however is definitely worth the money and effort.

good but could have been better, 13 Jun 2008
an exciting and fascinating, if very sad and harrowing read.
However ... Mr Williams did break every single 'eye' rule in the writing book and it is a mystery to me why his editor did not pick up on this. I spotted it from the start.
As in, 'her eyes went round the room' 'his eyes went over her' - I could go on, there are pages and pages of this in the beginning, and then it seemed as if Mr Williams settled down and got into his writing. Having broken through the 'barrier' of history and faulty writing, the book gained momentum and became what journalists refer to as 'unputdownable' - so it is recommended for that reason, but do watch out for the very bad and lazy writing in the beginning. Watch for those travelling eyes, which, incidentally, never do leave our heads.

Wonderful!!!, 07 Feb 2008
The first few hundred pages of this book are used to set up the scene, time, characters, etc. so it does take a little time to get into the real story but once it gets going, you just can't stop reading it! It took me about a week to get through the first half then I read the second half in one go! This is the first book of this style I have really read - political, war/rebellion, adventure - as it never really appealed to me in the past. But this book, changed my view, the writing style was wonderful, so easy to follow. I just loved the characters and the idea of these stereotypical English folk being involved in rebellions, affairs, escapes on steam trains! Brilliant! I give it 4 stars, not 5, because it took a little perseverance to get to the heart of the story, but overall a brilliant book!

surprising , 02 Aug 2007
this was the first war/policical book i've read and i wasnt sure i would really follow it, but adam williams wrote it in such a way that it was easy to follow and i understood the different sides and what was going on. i thought the romantic storyline alongside the war was brill, he defintly got the mix right so there wasnt one overpowering the other, so you never got bored with too much of one.

the love story follows helen francis, a girl that wants to experience evrything in life, which ends up with her cheating on her husband to be, and getting a drug addiction,and so much more as shes caught up in the war.

i loved the characters, even though they all had their own personal flaws, i got so absorbed into the book i couldnt put it down, and it was always on my mind. i loved this book, and was dissapointed when it came to an end.

i couldnt recommend the book enough, its on of those must reads.

This book has everything...., 16 Sep 2004
...adult liasions, violence, history, romance, intrigue, betrayal and much more. The story and the characters and detailed and complex and the book is so well written that the pages fly by. Each time I had to put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. Fantastic and highly recommended.

Simply wonderful, 02 Jun 2004
This is an exceptional book. I have had absolutely no social life for 2 weeks while I immersed myself in this complex, vivid journey of China in 1900. I simply did not want to stop reading! Initially I was concerned that I would not enjoy a book focusing on war and politics which do take some patience to plough through as I am not usually a reader of this genre. Once the scene is set however, the plot is romantic, exciting, distressing and I felt bereft once I had finished the last page.

excellent intro to five element theory, 01 Apr 2006
as a student of equine shiatsu (my course also covered human shiatsu) i found this book to provide a clear, easily comprehendable introduction to the five elements. although this book is based around acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine, i found it easy & enjoyable to read (no techno jargon), suitable for students of oriental medicine or just those interested in it. despite the fact that there was a lot that was irrelivant to me, i still enjoyed reading it. i'd recommend it to anyone who wants a basic intro to chinese medical theory.