'Rich with fascinating details, Jonathan Clements' Rebel Island is an engaging introduction to the complicated and astonishing history of Taiwan.'
-- Shawna Yang Ryan, author of
Green IslandPraise for The Emperor's Feast:
'This is a splendid introduction to the cooking and history of China, filled with surprising details on the origins of many famous dishes.'
* The Guardian *
Praise for The Emperor's Feast:
'Running through Clements' account is an insistence - smartly and subtly offered, and particularly welcome in our present straits - on the role food plays in binding family and friends together.'
* The Telegraph *
Praise for The Emperor's Feast:
'Clements marshals his sources in a deft and approachable manner, leavening the complexities of history with folklore, and spicing up his narrative with piquant anecdotes.'
-- Fuchsia Dunlop * Spectator *
Praise for A Brief History of Japan:
'Perfect for travelers or students ... A wonderfully fun, interesting, and informative introduction to Japanese history. Clements blends culture, politics, military, economics ... all with a wit and humour that carry the narrative forward and make it real.'
-- Mark Zachary Taylor, author of
The Politics of InnovationPraise for A Short History of Beijing:
'Jonathan Clements evocatively captures the contradictions and complexities of contemporary Beijing while rooting the city in its broader historical context ...'
* Times Literary Supplement *
Praise for A Short History of Beijing:
'A must-read ... Accessible and concise, this whirlwind history of China's capital city is gripping and amusing.'
* Sunday Express *
Praise for A Short History of Beijing:
'Clements makes an admirable job of disentangling truth from elaboration, finding historical foundations in much of the folklore ... a commendable introduction to Beijing.'
* Japan Times *
Praise for Japan at War in the Pacific:
'This is a fascinating historical tour of one of the world's great cities, exploring Tokyo's long past with an eye to its present form and its bustling contemporary population. Clements digs deep into place names, and into the wider context of Japan's long history, to offer an account that visitors to Tokyo - whether first-timers or old regulars - will no doubt find invaluable in helping them to make sense of a city that can sometimes feel overwhelming in its size and vibrant complexity.'
-- Chris Harding, author of
Japan StoryPraise for Wu:
'Clements' skilful narrative leaves it to the reader to decide whether Wu was a tyrant or a dutiful stateswoman ... illuminating and enjoyable.'
* Publishers Weekly *
Praise for Wu:
'Clements tells the story of Wu with a light but informed touch.'
* Literary Review *
Praise for Wu:
'Astonishing.'
* The Lady *
