Author(s): Adeline Yen Mah

History

Proverbs are fascinating in any country, but in China they still play and have always played a far more significant role.

'One written word is worth a thousand pieces of gold'

Most Chinese proverbs are based on historical events and the greatest number originate from that extraordinary period of history when the first Emperor of China âÃÂàcreator of the terracotta soldiers âÃÂàruled.

'Precious treasure worth cherishing'

Kings, warlords, scholars and courtiers plot and counter-plot in a vigorous, energetic, restless society brought vividly to life by Adeline Yen Mah. She combines the historical narrative with personal insights from her own life to illustrate the influence of proverbs in contemporary situations, creating a window into Chinese life for Western readers.