Swallowing Clouds

"A. Zee invites us to a veritable Chinese banquet full of charming explorations of food, language, and culture. Beginning with simple dishes from a typical restarurant menu, Zee launches into an engrossing voyage of discoveries about Chinese language and cuisine. With folklore and anecdotes, he uncovers the roots of Chinese characters in ancient pictographs, giving an absorbing and effortless introduction to written Chinese. He also weaves in tradition and philosophy to tell such stories as why mao-tai liquor still comes tied with two red ribbons, why the god of wealth does not eat pork, why 'no monkey' may be the central tenet of Taoism, why a fine wine could make one sleep the sleep of the truily inebriated, and why eating wonton is like swallowing clouds. Zee's conversational wit and playful humor highlight Chinese civilization against a backdrop of two millennia of legend and history. Full of entertaining tales and intriguing insights, 'Swallowing clouds' is an engaging and informative adventure through the captivating world of Chinese culture and cuisine."--Front flap of dust jacket.