A tale of battling armies; political intrigue; star-crossed romance; and historical cataclysm; The Peach Blossom Fan is one of the masterpieces of Chinese literature; a vast dramatic composition that combines the range and depth of a great novel with the swift intensity of film. In the mid-1640s; famine sweeps through China. The Ming dynasty; almost 300 years old; lurches to a bloody end. Peking falls to the Manchus; the emperor hangs himself; and Ming loyalists take refuge in the southern capital of Nanking. Two valiant generals seek to defend the city; but nothing can overcome the corruption; decadence; and factionalism of the court in exile. The newly installed emperor cares for nothing but theater; leaving practical matters to the insidious Ma Shih-ying. Marsquo;s crony Juan Ta-chrsquo;eng is as unscrupulous an operator as he is sophisticated a poet. He diverts resources from the starving troops in order to stage a spectacular production of his latest play. History; however; has little time for make-believe; though the earnest members of the Revival Club; centered on the handsome young scholar Hou Fang-yuuml; and his lover Fragrant Princess; struggle to discover a happy ending.
2014-08-26 2014-08-26File Name: B00N1V1UDQ
Review
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Monumental AchievementBy CharlieI just received this wonderful; new book within the past few days and have enjoyed reading all the entries. In his Introduction; Mr. Oweis states: "I see this book as an attempt at writing our own histories and creating our own narratives." He succeeded as this book is THE monumental work in its field and Fayeq Oweis is to be congratulated for his efforts.He profiles about 100 Arab-American artists and organizations. The book is replete with BW photos of the artists and their works as well as several pages in color. Each profile provides the vital statistics of the artist; their preferred medium/media; a biography; a description of their work; a listing where one can review the artists works; and the resources used in the writing of the profile. After the profiles; the book has a section on Resources on Arab American Artists and Arab Culture in the US; a Selected Bibliography; a Materials Index; and; a standard Index to the references and names appearing within the book. If youre an Arab American or interested in art; do not pass this by.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. encyclopedia of arab american artistsBy Mae Phillipsthis book has opened a whole new world for my son and I. I will be purchasing more. thank you for such a great deal
