Swallowing Clouds

A. Zee is professor of theoretical physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the author of Fearful Symmetry: The Search for Beauty in Modern Physics and An Old Man's Toy: Gravity at Work and Play in Einstein's Universe.

"In this lyrical work, theoretical physicist Zee steps outside his specialty to write about his true loves—Chinese cooking, language, and culture. Zee's format is elegant: he takes a common food on the menu of any Chinese American restaurant, explicates the Chinese characters designating the food, and relates charming anecdotes and history associated with the food."(Kirkus Reviews) "Included in bestselling book 1,000 Books to Read before You Die: A Life-Changing List by Jim Mustich.""Charming. . . . A study of the very nature of Chinese culture. Zee has a quirky, personal style that draws the reader in."- Anne Tyler (Washington Post Book World) "The most delightful food book of the year, . . . a happy blending of instruction and amusement in the language, culture, and cuisine of China."(Minneapolis Star-Tribune) "Interesting and unique. . . . Family anecdotes, folklore, and good sketches help the author present a new understanding and meaning behind this rich and complex cuisine."(Christian Science Monitor) "A truly delightful literary compendium of wit, wisdom, and how-to."(Newsday)

• PrefaceTime LineA Word about PronunciationIntroductionBeijing Men Built a FireSlicing through WaterInterlude 1: Phonetics, or Why Some Characters Look Horribly ComplicatedSleep of the Truly InebriatedSwallowing CloudsChinese Pigs StandInterlude 2: The Appalling Ignorance of Some ScribesA Delicacy for Aging MenNo Contest between Fish and a Bear with Eight LegsCourtesans Do Not Eat CrabsInterlude 3: To All You CarnivoresThe Sweet Fragrance of Crops RipeningHow to Avoid Being VulgarThe Pockmarked Woman and the Pearly EmpressInterlude 4: Words Are Like Our ChildrenBuddha Jumping over WallsAct without Acting, Taste without TastingInterlude 5: Like Eating Potato ChipsThe Sublime Faith in IllusionsPieces of Her HeartElixirs and the Food of HealthFrom Banquets to Voyages of DiscoveryEpilogue: All Banquets Must Come to an EndAfterword by Linda Rui FengAppendix A. How to Exercise Your Arm and Throat while DrinkingAppendix B. A Few RecipesNotesBibliographyTable of DynastiesTable of Some Common Radicals Used in this BookTable of Characters and Radicals Cited by ChapterAcknowledgmentsA Final Note