The chance discovery, in a Suffolk auction in 1998, of a journal written by an English traveller in china - and published here for the first time - was one of those finds that are at once delightful, unexpected and, ultimately, highly mysterious.
What it offers is a unique foray of beliefs, and in a sense the reality, of dragons in China, from only a few centuries ago. This charming travelogue with it's beautiful illustrations and fascinating narrative, leads the reader through the dragon-laden landscape of chinese folktales and classic literature, and even uncovers some new dragon lore from the far-flung corners of the Chinese Empire.
From the earliest origins of dragon mythology to the role of the dragon in contemporary chinese astrology, 'Year Of The Dragon' will amuse and stir imaginations of readers everywhere.
