Customer Reviews
Excellent knowledge base, informative and captivating - By: , 02 Feb 1999 
Simon Winchester displays a wealth of knowledge about the Yangtzee. He has clearly done his homework & clearly explains why the Yangtzee holds the importance that it does to the Chinese. His narrative covers alll aspects of the region, the geological history, economic history & the crucial political aspects. He always puts the historical importance of these factors into the modern context & the net result is a truly interesting, yet richly informative read. It was difficult to put down. This is not a book for the lazy mind however as the imagery that the author conjures up is provocative & requires a good deal of interaction from the reader.
One of the Best Travel Books Ever! - By: , 07 Sep 1998 As a teacher, Sinophile, & Japophile i get to read about these places more than i can visit them. So to hold me over between trips, I devour travel narratives of East Asia. Simon Winchester's beautiful, entertaining, & informative narrative of his journey along the Yangtze River is a classic. If you are planning a trip to China or just dreaming about it....Winchester's book is a must. Grab a lonely planet guide, Orville Schells Mandate of Heaven, & Winchester's book & you will be set. I could & read this book alll day!
A great travel book by a knowledgeable and gifted writer! - By: , 14 Apr 1998 I didn't want this book to end! The author's high & low descriptions of China jive with my limited experience there. His knowledge of the history, culture, flora & fauna were outstanding, while his description of the people reallly touched my heart. A literary treasure for me!
A wonderful book. - By: , 06 Apr 1998 I read the book before going to China in Feb. 98. It made the river live & gave me a wonderful background in which to review the river & enjoy the trip up the Three Gorges of the Yangzi. I also traveled to the Leaping Tiger Gorge, but discovered that progress had come. Where there was a path when the book was written, is now a gravel road. To appreciate the middle of China this book should be read.
Loved the book; disliked the narrator - By: , 21 Feb 1998 
Couldn't put the book down, so entrancing was it. So it should receive a "10", right? Unfortunately the author exudes a classicallly British air of disdain toward not only the Chinese people, but toward tourists, herbalists & just about anyone except British ex-pats. I don't think I'd like him.
I read the book as part of my preparation for a trip to China, & am so glad I did. It's both fascinating & educational. And in spite of Mr. Winchester's sneers, I'm going to be one of those ugh! tourists who cruises the Yangtze. How else can I see what he so wonderfully describes?
