Nov
02
2011
History Of Chinese Kites
Flying A Kite
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Kites $16.48 An object of endless allure since ancient times, the kite still has an enchanting and seductive quality recognized by young and old alike. Beginning with a fascinating and complete history of kites and kite flying, Pelham recounts how kites have not only provided endless hours of pleasure, relaxation, and exercise but were also used for signalling over vast distances, fishing, measuring, and divining the secrets of the atmosphere (not to mention the kite’s greatest role, as precursor to the airplane). This marvelously illustrated book contains absolutely every fact about the construction and flying of kites and includes over 100 how-to diagrams, from the simple to the challenging, from paper to fabric, with all the information necessary for building kites from scratch. |
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Kites: Flying Skills and Techniques, from Basic Toys to Sport Kites $3.98 "The perfect handbook for every kiting enthusiast" More than three thousand years ago, the Chinese used kites to spy on their enemies, send messages and lift themselves up and out of hostile situations. Eighteenth century Japan banned kites because too many workers were out flying them – and staying away from the job. Indonesian fishermen, on the other hand, have used kites in their work for centuries. Kites is a complete guide to kiting — from flying a paper kite at the park to para-kiting on a lake or ocean. Written in a clear and accessible style, this book features: Detailed descriptions of kites and equipment Step-by-step photographs in full color Guidelines for choosing a kite Basic skills-setup, launch, maneuvers, landing Decorative kites, stunt and sport kites, power kites, water kites and specialty kites Kite-buggying, para-kiting, wheel-kiting, snow-kiting, kite-surfing Safety guidelines. Step-by-step, full color photographs illustrate each maneuver, and a glossary explains kiting terms such as sheeting, lofting and chicken loop. Kites may have changed over the years, but the joy of flying them remains a thrill for adventurers of all ages. |
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The Story of Kites $11.98 What trouble have Ting, Pan, and Kuai gotten into now? When they’re caught at school playing instead of doing their math, the teacher writes notes to their parents on each boy’s left hand and demands that they hold up their guilty palms for everyone to see. The boys wish they could invent something for the teacher to write on besides their hands-something small and private. Can the creative Kangs concoct a formula for something similar to what we know today as … paper? Learn how Ting, Pan, and Kuai spin their latest mischief into an important Chinese cultural invention, then try making your own homemade paper. |
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A Social History of the Chinese Book $58 A Social History of the Chinese Book |
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The Making of Japanese Kites: Tradition, Beauty and Creation $15.48 In this informative, inspiring and comprehensive book, Masaaki Modegi, Chairman of The Japan Kite Association and Curator of the Tokyo Kite Museum, explores the fascinating history of kites and what they have meant to Japanese culture going back in time. Relying on the ample resources of the Museum and of the Kite Association, the book includes 50 color photographs, mostly of traditional kites of Japan, with a special focus on those of the Edo period, as well as kites of the world. In addition, Modegi discusses the many breathtaking kite-flying tournaments and festivals held around the country. The instructional section begins with a chapter on materials and tools. Modegi explains why frames are mostly made of bamboo (its strong, flexible and lightweight) while the sails are usually fashioned out of handmade Japanese paper (washi), which is extraordinarily durable. Chapters on making kites offer instructions for five beginner-level, five intermediate-level and five advanced-level projects. The book concludes with a chapter on flying kites, an appendix, glossary and contact list. The experience of making and flying a kite is exhilarating, enjoyed by people of all ages all over the world. This wonderful book will help both novice and experienced kite fliers enjoy it to the fullest. |
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Chinese $59.98 This general introduction to the study of Chinese traces the language’s history from its beginnings in the second millennium B.C. to the present, and provides a clear picture of the contemporary language and its sociolinguistic status. Chinese, in its numerous dialects, has more speakers than any other language in the modern world, and this vast extension in time and space brings to its study an exceptional complexity. Nevertheless, Norman’s crisp organization and lucid elegance make this extraordinary range of material easily accessible even to those with an elementary understanding of linguistics. Chinese includes information on the genetic and typological connections of the language, the writing system, the classical and early vernacular tongues, the modern language and non-standard dialects, and the history of linguistic reform in China. |
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My Father’s Kites $12.48 The centerpiece of Allison Joseph’s sixth full-length poetry collection is a sequence of thirty-four sonnets about losing her father. "Superbly executed, part family history and part homage, Allison Joseph strings the frail human voices across the forceful lines of her verse to summon her absent father back from the dead." — Maura Stanton |
