The Lion And The Dragon

During the middle of the 19th-Century, Britain and China would twice go to war over trade, and in particular the trade in opium. The Chinese people had progressively become addicted to the narcotic, a habit that British merchants were more than happy to feed from their opium-poppy fields in India. When the Qing dynasty rulers of China attempted to suppress this trade--due to the serious social and economic problems it caused--the British Government responded with gunboat diplomacy, and conflict soon ensued. The first conflict, known as the First Anglo-Chinese War or Opium War (1839-42), ended in British victory and the Treaty of Nanking. However, this treaty was heavily biased in favour of the British, and it would not be long before there was a renewal of hostilities, taking the form of what became known as the Second Anglo-Chinese War or Arrow War (1857-60). Again, the second conflict would end with an 'unequal treaty' that was heavily biased towards the victor. The Lion and the Dragon: Britain's Opium Wars with China, 1839-1860 examines the causes and ensuing military history of these tragic conflicts, as well as their bitter legacies.

Drawing upon his deep knowledge of the Tibetan culture and people, Goldstein takes us through the history of Tibet, concentrating on the political and cultural negotiations over the status of Tibet from the turn of the century to the present. He describes the role of Tibet in Chinese politics, the feeble and conflicting responses of foreign governments, overtures and rebuffs on both sides, and the nationalistic emotions that are inextricably entwined in the political debate. Ultimately, he presents a plan for a reasoned compromise, identifying key aspects of the conflict and appealing to the United States to play an active diplomatic role.

Lions and Komodo dragons are both fierce carnivores, but pitted against each other, which would come out on top? The answer to that is up to the reader of this high-interest volume to decide. They'll be presented with loads of facts to help them choose which animal they think would win in a fight. This imaginative and informative book reinforces important elementary science concepts. Information such as size, speed, and adaptations paired with colorful photographs bring this beastly battle to life.

"Lion and Dragon in Northern China" give a detailed picture of life in the Weihaiwei province of China, with its customs, social structure, family life, religion, law, and history at a time before the region was transformed by Western influences and Chinese reformers. It is an interesting historical and anthropological account of the bygone era from one of its witnesses.

Napoleon warned 'Let China sleep; when she wakes, she will shake the world'. Lawrence James's magisterial history analyses the relationship between Britain and China between the beginning of the Opium Wars in 1839 and the transfer of power in Hong Kong in 1997. THE LION AND THE DRAGON reveals the part that Britain played in the awakening of China, then covers relations between the two countries during the period when an aroused China did indeed shake the world. Lawrence James also follows the parallel trajectories of four competitive empires - the British, the Chinese, the Russian and the Japanese - during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and then the fortunes of a fifth imperial power, the United States. Successive British governments saw China as a source of wealth which needed to be protected. Local objections were seen off by force (the 'Opium' wars of 1839-42, 1856-7 and 1859-60) whose results proved that the Qing emperors could not protect their country. Indian troops were deployed in each campaign and manned Britain's small garrisons in Hong Kong, Shanghai and other Treaty ports. Yet Britain never sought to make China into another India. Rather it allowed the emperors and their officials to govern, so long as they were docile and amenable to British needs. Paramount were the internal stability and fiscal responsibility that were the lubricants of trade. A unified nation with economic and military muscle, and aware of its distant past as one of the great nations of the world, has been intent on reversing her recent history. Lawrence James vividly chronicles a time when this huge nation's divisions encouraged foreigners to treat her as a treasure-house to be plundered at will. This warning from history explains why China's present rulers brook neither dissent nor popular unrest.

Lion dance has been in Singapore since the 1930s and is closely connected with the Chinese clans that organised the first troupes, with some of these clans hailing as far back as the 1800s. Chronicling the history of lion dance, therefore, is akin to chronicling the pioneering years of our nation. However, few books document the history of this art form in Singapore.This book is the first of its kind to introduce the history, culture, sport and performance art that is lion and dragon dance in English. It will cover the types of dances and costumes, symbolisms and values embedded in the lion and dragon dance communities. It will tell the stories of Singaporean lion and dragon dance pioneers which have never before appeared in any English publications. It will also feature interviews with current leaders in the community and share our hopes for the future of the art form in Singapore.

The year is 1047 A.D. In Normandy, William fights to hold on to his duchy, whilst in England, Harold, the second son of Godwin, the powerful Earl of Wessex, inherits his father. Tensions in England grow as King Edward's marriage to Godwin's daughter, Edith, fails to produce an heir and it is rumoured that King Edward has named Duke William as his heir. William is however fully engaged in Normandy, putting down persistent challenges to his title. Although his heart belongs to Alice of the Bessin, the woman he stole away from his enemy, by marrying Matilda, the unruly daughter of the Count of Flanders, he could become the most powerful magnate in all of France. But will France's weak King allow such a marriage? For William, however, the heaviest burden is the pain of relinquishing the great love of his life. And what is to become of Alice, now her reputation is soiled forever?Harold's final victory over the Welsh makes him all England's hero, but he too has personal problems: Can he ever forgive Edith Swannesha, his wife of 20 years, for betraying him and how will he manage without his Irish friend and bodyguard, Brendan mac Diarmait? By 1064, with King Edward's health failing, a rebellion brewing in the north and, in Norway, the emergence of a third, fearsome contender for England's throne, Harold sets out for Normandy to meet William. Can they join forces to forge the Anglo-Norman empire, of which King Edward has long dreamt? Or will their ambition engulf them in a bloody war? Only one can be King; but first, they must take the measure of each other.The Lion and the Dragon relates the rise of two of the strongest leaders in medieval Christendom. It is Book One of a trilogy, The Lion's Conquest, which takes us through the events that made giants of two of history's most famous heroes and changed history not only for England but all of Europe. The Lion's Conquest also includes: Book 2: The Fall of the Dragon and Book 3: The Lion's Shar

From Bern rode forth King Diderik, A stately warrior form; Engaged in fray he found in the way A lion and laidly worm. They fought for a day, they fought for two, But ere the third was flown, The worm outfought the beast, and brought To earth the lion down. Then cried the lion in his need When he the warrior saw: “O aid me quick, King Diderik, To ’scape the Dragon’s claw. “O aid me quick, King Diderik, For the mighty God thou fearest; A lion save for the lion brave, Which on thy shield thou bearest. “Come to my rescue, thou noble King, Help, help me for thy name; Upon thy targe I stand at large, Glittering like a flame.” Long, long stood he, King Diderik, Deep musing thereupon; At length he cried: “Whate’er betide I’ll help thee, noble one.” It was Sir King Diderik, His good sword bare he made: With courage fraught, the worm he fought, Till blood tinged all the blade.