History, Culture, Tales

《全球史的九炷香：哪吒、龙涎香与坦博拉》杨斌
The Nine Tales of Global History: Nezha, Ambergris, and Tambora By Bin YANG

Introduction:
A compelling exploration of global history through cultural symbols and objects, revealing the deep, interconnected exchanges between China and the world across centuries.
The Nine Tales of Global History offers a fresh perspective on global history through 9 iconic cultural symbols and objects. Drawing from a diverse range of historical themes, the book explores the ancient and enduring connections between China and various regions, including Egypt, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific Islands.
Using the “lotus” symbol, seashells, and ambergris as focal points, the author reveals how these objects traveled across borders and shaped cultural, economic, and ecological exchanges. The book also delves into pivotal events, such as the Tambora eruption of 1815, and their far-reaching impacts. With a cross-disciplinary approach, this work combines history, geography, anthropology, and ecology to offer readers a comprehensive understanding of global interactions, bridging East and West over centuries. Written by renowned scholar Yang Bin, it combines academic rigor with accessible storytelling.
About the Author：
Bin YANG is a distinguished historian and professor at City University of Hong Kong. He holds a Ph.D. from Northeastern University in the United States and has previously taught at institutions such as the University of Macau and the National University of Singapore.
His research interests encompass Chinese history, world/global history, and the history of science, technology, and medicine. Professor Yang is the author of several influential works, including Between Winds and Clouds: The Making of Yunnan (Columbia University Press, 2008), which won the 2004 Gutenberg-E Prize from the American Historical Association. Professor Yang’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2022 Wenjin Book Award and the 2023 Asia Book Awards for Best Asian Books of the Year.