China: Empire of the Written Symbol

This 1991 edition of China: Empire of the Written Symbol written by Cecilia Lindqvist is more than a study of linguistics; it is a visual journey into the soul of Chinese civilization. Lindqvist spent years in China researching the primitive origins of characters, and consequently, she reveals how modern symbols evolved from ancient drawings of people, objects, and nature.

Condition: Slight foxing on first blank page and introduction page (slight). Overall, this 1991 edition is in excellent, crisp condition. However, there is an area of surface skinning on the front inside cover where a protective plastic sleeve was removed. Consequently, we have adjusted the price to reflect this cosmetic flaw, while the binding, text block, and illustrations remain in superb, collector-grade state. (see image)
Author: Cecilia Lindqvist
Translator: Joan Tate (Translated from the Swedish Tecknens rike)
Publishers: First published in Great Britain in 1991 by Harvill an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
Format: Hardcover 424 pages – 21.5cm x 21cm
ISBN: 0002721619

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China: Empire of the Written Symbol

This particular volume is highly regarded because it contains hundreds of illustrations and photographs that bridge the gap between art and language in China. In addition, the 1991 printing of this edition features high-quality paper stock that allows the intricate calligraphy and archaeological photos to stand out with exceptional clarity.

Although many books attempt to explain the Chinese language, Lindqvist’s work is unique. She focuses on the “story” behind the stroke in Chinese calligraphy. For instance, she explains the evolution of symbols for “mountain,” “woman,” and “tree” by tracing them back to their 3,000-year-old oracle bone origins.