Chinese Proverbs

This beautifully illustrated volume collects more than 50 traditional Chinese proverbs in an irresistible treasury of timeless folk wisdom. Each proverb-presented in both Chinese and English-offers classic advice and keen observation on subjects ranging from affection (A good friend shields you from the storm) to common sense (Do not climb a tree for fish) to the hardest lessons (The eyes are wide but the stomach is narrow). Charming illustrations by Hu Yong Yi bring the proverbs to life, and an insightful introduction illuminates their history and significance. Witty, wise, and utterly delightful, Chinese Proverbs is the perfect gift for those seeking guidance with good humor.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811836835
• ISBN13: 9780811836838
• Release Date: December 2002
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 0.6" x 5.9"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Chinese Proverbs

This book has very nice illustrations. There are not a lot of illustrations, but enough to make the book pleasant to look at and good for a variety of ages.

Good for a coffee table book

Just a quick note to add to the other reviews. This can be read in one sitting. It's a good coffee table book, nice printing and good art, but if you want a serious book of Chinese wisdom, pick another. This would be a very nice gift to someone with a surface interest in the subject.

Faithfully translated proverbs

This is a great collection of proverbs. The accompanying art is both clever and charming. The proverbs are so well translated that no additional explanations regarding the proverbs are provided or needed -- they would only serve to clutter up the page. Most importantly the translations preserve the original "flavor" of each proverb. Each proverb is written in both English and in traditional Chinese characters. I own a few books of Chinese Proverbs. This is by far the prettiest and most charming.

"Crows are black the world over"

This is by no means a scholarly book with pages or single-spaced, tiny printed proverbs. It's a fun little book with cute illustrations that makes it child and adult friendly.