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The following list of books, DVDs, CDs, videos, newspapers, etc., are media that we can recommend to you if you are contemplating a visit to this country. We have tried to identify three books, including at least one guidebook, that we would most strongly recommend you read or at least browse before you go. If you have more time and interest you can get as deeply involved as you like. You may find some of these materials more relevant when you come back and want to get answers to questions that developed in-country. We also like to recommend various DVDs with films or documentaries that you should find educational. They will also give you a glimpse of the country before you actually arrive. Most of these items have a link to Amazon where you can purchase them if you like, but some materials are not available at Amazon (is that really possible?) and have links to other sites. We hope you find this list helpful.
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A Macao Narrative
By Austin Coates
Heinemann Educational Books (Asia), Ltd., Hong Kong, 2000
In this short study Austin Coates explains how and why the Portuguese came to the Far East and how they peacefully settled in Macao with tacit Chinese goodwill. Macao's golden age, from 1557 to the disastrous collapse of 1641, is vividly reconstructed. Then follows the cuckoo-in-the-nest situation of the late 18th century when the British in Macao were a law unto themselves, until the establishment of Hong Kong and the opening of Shanghai provided a wider scope for their energies. Portugal's subsequent struggle to obtain full sovereignty in Macao and the extraordinary outcome in 1975 brings the account to present times. Special tribute is paid to the risks Macao gallantly undertook in harboring Hong Kong's starving and destitute during World War II. Top
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Macau
By Shann Davies
NTC/Contemporary Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1991
According to author Shann Davies, Macau's unique charm lies in the overlay of four centuries of contrasting influences from Portugal--which claimed the tiny territory as its "City of the Name of God" in 1557--and China, which tolerated the intrusion on its southern coast and profited from what was once the richest trading port in the world. The legacy today is incongruous images: splendid stucco mansions with wrought iron balconies staring at neon-lit casinos; Chinese temples standing in the shadow of skyscraper blocks; and lengthly Portuguese luncheons and siestas enjoyed alongside a bustling Chinatown that never sleeps. Macau is a microcosm of two colorful worlds. . . Iberia in Asia. Macao is packed with colorful photographs and interesting discussions of Macao's history, providing a fine introduction to contemporary Macao. Top
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Macau Miscellany
By Shann Davies
Derwent Communications, Ltd., 1992
Macau Miscellany is an entertaining and fascinating account of Macau history and tradition, tracing the growth of the territory through the people who starred in its history. Davies has been visiting and writing about Macau for over forty years, and still finds the place something of a mystery. Top
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Historic Macao
By C. A. Montalto de Jesus
Oxford University Press, New York, N.Y., 1984
Disillusioned over Portugal's treatment of her colony, C. A. Montalto de Jesus added several new chapters to his second edition of Historic Macao in which he suggested that Portugal knew so little about Macao, cared so little, and was so incompetent in meeting Macao's needs, that it would have been preferable for the territory to be administered instead by the League of Nations. Although the first edition (published in 1902) had been greeted with acclaim and the Senate of Macao even suggested that the author be given a royal honor, the second edition containing the fateful new chapters (published in 1926) provoked a furor. The Government of Macao seized the second edition and burned it in public. Historic Macao is still the only history in English of this unique settlement on the China coast. For contemporary readers it continues to provide a comprehensive and absorbing account of the city from its founding by merchant adventurers until its eventual decline. Top
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Macao and the British, 1637-1842: Prelude to Hongkong
By Austin Coates
Oxford University Press, New York, N.Y., 1988
Opening with a vivid description of the first English voyage to China in 1637, Macao and the British traces the ensuing course of Anglo-Chinese relations, the opening of regular trade by the East India Company in 1700, the "country" trade between India and China, Britian's first embassies to Peking, the bedevilling effect of the opium trade, and the resulting war from which Britain won, as part of its concessions, the obscure island of Hong Kong. Throughout this time, Portuguese skill ensured Macao escaped domination by the British and Chinese. Among those who feature in this lucid and lively account are the merchant princes Jardine and Matheson, the missionary Robert Morrison, the artist George Chinnery, and Captain Charles Elliot, Hong Kong's maligned founder. Austin Coates served as administrator and diplomat in several Eastern countries until 1962. Top
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Seventeenth Century Macao in Contemporary Documents and Illustrations
By C. R. Boxer, Editor
Heinemann Educational Books (Asia) Ltd., Hong Kong, 1984
This book of descriptions and documents concerning Macau in the seventeenth century, at the time of the restoration of the Portuguese monarchy in 1640, makes available again several very rare historical works. As well as describing the rich and unusual celebrations that greeted the news of the restoration of King John the Fourth as King of Portugal, the book brings together other little-known contemporary accounts of this early period in Macau's history. C. R. Boxer is an eminent historian who has lived for twelve years in the Far East and has made a lifetime study of Portuguese colonial and maritime history, publishing many articles and books on those subjects. Top
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Macau on a Plate: A Culinary Journey
By Annabel Doling
Roundhouse Publications (Asia) Ltd., Hong Kong, 1996
Continents meet at Macau's varied table. Macau on a Plate delves into the delicacies, dishes, spices, and mores of Macau's remarkable culinary heritage. Established by the Portuguese in 1557, Macau once rivaled Venice as the most important entrepot in the world. Here, olive oil and chourico are as common as coconut milk and ginger. Dishes are infused with exotic African spices, fragrant Chinese herbs, and pungent Portuguese shrimp paste. Macau on a Plate serves up a fascinating journey through the culinary traditions of this tiny corner of Portugal on the southern coast of China. Top
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Introduction to Macau--Odyssey Guides
By Shann Davies
Odyssey Publications, Ltd., Hong Kong, 1993
Few places wear their history as comfortably as Macau. Settled in 1557 as Europe's first outpost in continental Asia, this Portuguese enclave has been at times the commercial hub and cultural crossroads of East and West, a home away from home for international China traders, and a magnet for generations of adventurers, travelers, and artists. So much of Macau's past remains in working order that today you can find people at prayer in 15th century Chinese temples and 18th century Catholic churches; working in 19th century offices and shop-houses; or relaxing in what were once 17th century fortresses. You can also find modern hotels, fine restaurants, colorful festivals, lively nightspots, and non-stop casinos. Shann Davies' witty and intelligent guide provides all the directions, explanations, and practical information necessary for maximum enjoyment of multifacetted Macau. Top
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Macau--Insight Pocket Guides
By Joseph R. Yogerst
APA Publications (HK), Ltd., Hong Kong, 1994
Mention Macau and casinos and cabarets come to mind. But this Portuguese enclave in China is more than just an all-night party. Less than an hour away by jet-foil from Hong Kng, Macau is a unique blend of European charm and the exotic East. From the 17th-century ruins of St. Paul's to the lazy black sand beaches of Hac Sa, the well-researched and time-tested itineraries in this book are personal favorites of the authour, a frequent visitor to the territory for more than a decade. Included are chapters on eating out, shopping at factory outlets and boutiques filled with brand-name goods at rock-bottom prices, and Macau's renowned nightlife. For those with time to spare, there are excursions to Zhuhai and Canton in mainland China. Whether it's information you need on food and festivals, pousadas and pedicabs, or churches and casinos, Insight Pocket Guide: Macau divulges everything you need to know about the "Latin Orient." Top
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Time Out: Hong Kong (Time Out Guides)
By Lesley McCave, Editor
Pengin Group, U.K., 2004
Vibrant, exciting, and often overwhelming, Hong Kong offers a huge range of attractions, both urban and rural. In Time Out: Hong Kong a team of local writers highlights the best of the territory and its environs, taking in the former Portuguese enclave of Macau and the booming modern city of Guangzhou. The section on Macao includes sightseeing in Central Macao, Southern Macao, Taipa, and Coloane; how to get there and get around; a map; where to eat; where to stay; shopping; arts and entertainment; nightlife; and gambling and horse/greyhound racing. Time Out: Hong Kong includes chapters on restaurants, cafes, clubs, and bars--what's hot and what's not; where to blow your dough--a comprehensive selection of Hong Kong's best malls, shops, and markets; a walk on the wild side--escape the frenzy of the city by hiking, climbing, or running in the territory's under-explored country parks; modern architecture--the buildings that make up Hong Kong Island's world-famous skyline are rated and slated; and understanding local customs and culture--from feng shui to t'ai chi ...all with full details of opening times, prices, and transport. An essential travel guide. Top
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