The nature of the Chinese character : gifts from the earth

The Nature of the Chinese Character delves into Chinese culture by taking a visual and descriptive journey to the "genealogical" roots of language.

In portraying natural elements such as a simple fish or duck to the more elusive wind or rolling wave, Chinese characters have evolved from straightforward depictions into intricate symbols, each containing layer upon layer of meaning.

Their current forms, as well as the artistry and logic of their evolution, provide fascinating insights and reveal nature to be a defining influence on the Chinese language and character.

Each of the forty ideograms featured in this charming book is graphically explored in a series of dramatic and instructive renderings, from historic and etymological drawings to contemporary calligraphy.

The result is a book that is beautiful in its own right - an elegant keepsake that both informs and enchants. Originally published in 1992 by Simon and Schuster, The Nature of the Chinese Character sold through their one print run before going out of print two years after publication. Chronide subsequently published Spirit of The Chinese Character with great success, taking advantage of our own particular strengths, particularly in special markets.

To date, Spirit continues to sell consistently, and Chronide's edition of Nature will be designed to pair perfectly with Spirit.

Following the tremendous success of The Spirit of the Chinese Character, The Nature of the Chinese Character illustrates and examines 40 earthly symbols and provides stroke-by-stroke instructions for writing each of the featured characters. * The two books will sell beautifully together. Spirit covers lofty, spiritual themes while Nature covers the earthy, tangible symbols such as wave, wind, sky, etc. * Beautiful, full colour illustrations of each letter make this book both a treasure and a beautiful reference book. * Most books on the Chinese alphabet are geared toward scholars or children.

Ours speaks to a general young adult/adult audience with interest in Asian arts and spirituality and requires no previous knowledge of Chinese calligraphy.