Jade is the most romantic and blood-drenched stone on earth. To ancient peoples all over the world it was sacred. In China, Confucius raved about it, wars were fought over it and fifteen cities were once offered in exchange for a piece of it. The Aztecs of Central America treasured it more than gold. The Maori in New Zealand loved it so much...
An Englishman's love affair with China's national treasure.
Andrew’s book, Jade Life, was featured in both the Guardian and the South China Morning Post. It received excellent reviews. The East Asia Book Review wrote: Jade Life is a great read – a big-hearted, highly accessible, informative, and likeable account. It will appeal to any reader interested in China, regardless of one’s interest in jade. The...
The West looted millions of priceless relics from China during the colonial era. It’s time to give them back. This book tells the story of when they were stolen, who stole them and where they are now. It also offers a way to give China back its treasures which should be acceptable to everyone. Available as a paperback, eBook and audiobook. Click...
Andrew Shaw worked as a reporter for the BBC General News Service before moving to China to learn the art of jade carving in 2008. He is now a gold medal-winning master carver. He lives with his wife in the city of Wuhan. Andrew writes best selling fiction and non fiction. He has just published the first of a critically acclaimed fantasy trilogy based on ancient Chinese mythology.
Andrew Shaw worked as a reporter for the BBC General News Service before moving to China to learn the art of jade carving in 2008. He is now a gold medal-winning master carver. He lives with his wife in the city of Wuhan. Andrew writes best selling fiction and non fiction. He has just published the first of a critically acclaimed fantasy trilogy based on ancient Chinese mythology.
For this episode I am going to recommend a novel that I haven't read as it hasn't yet been published. A Trade of Blood, the third in a the Shadow of the Leviathan trilogy, by Robert Jackson Bennett The first two instalments were so good I have no doubt part 3 will be equally entertaining.
Michael Moorcock is best known for his stories about the albino prince, Elric and his magic sword, Stormbringer. Perhaps rightly so, but for me his finest work is his Dancers at the End of Time trilogy. Far ahead of its time and thought provoking. Written by a story teller at the top of his game.
One of the most charming books written in the fantasy genre has to be Princess Bride by William Goldman. Both the book and the film that was made from it are cult classics. As fresh today as the day it was first published. a tale of true love and swashbuckling adventure.
