Here’s a book that claims to be a “perfect companion for travelers who wish to know the China beyond the tourist trail". Published by an organization that has a long history (240 years to be exact) of documenting reliable thoroughly researched information, The Britannica name immediately draws the attention of avid readers. But what a disappointment!

Although there were chapters on history, government, society, culture, religion, and everyday life many subjects were vague and incomprehensible. For example, 55 pages are dedicated to explaining the most popular religions: Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism but after a brief obscure description of how each religion originated the author digresses to China’s history and never really explains the essence of each religion. Rituals and customs are totally ignored.

The final chapter of 50 pages titled “Places”, intent on giving the tourist a guideline of major sites to visit is nothing more than additional history lessons on the major cities of Beijing and Shanghai and a few other notable sites.

Don’t repeat my mistake of thinking “if it’s Britannica, it must be good”. The authors lack of enthusiasm comes across on every dry boring page. A waste of time and money! ( )