"How To Grasp The Bird's Tail If YOu Don't Speak Chinese" by Jane Schorre,
with calligraphy by Margaret Chang. ISBN: 0-9657716-0-1
Arts of China Seminars, Houston, Texas

I enjoyed this book very much. I am interested in languages and
travelled to Taiwan and China to study Mandarin. I am also attracted to the
beauty of Chinese characters and the art of calligraphy. As a tai chi
student and teacher the combination of language, calligraphy, and tai chi
was hard to resist.
One wont learn tai chi movements from this book, but the movements may
have more meaning after considering the author's ideas. She looks beyond
the usual sterile translations of tai chi movements and makes them live.
Chinese is a complicated language and translation has always been difficult.
Also so much meaning is determined by culture and history. The author
challenges us to reflect on each movement in the Yang form and look for more
emotional and spiritual significance. She also provides Daoist stories to
augment her views. Her friend's calligraphy enhances the text.
The author also suggests that the reader bring their own personal
meanings into the movements. Certain movements which are translated "push"
can have a gentler meaning such as "massage" which is more in keeping with
the tai chi philosophy of softness.
Chinese characters can appear complicated and intimidating to those
unfamiliar with their structure. The author does a capable job of
dissecting each character and providing meaning to each part. Then she
tried to make some sense from the combination of components. With her
guidance the characters take on familiarity and significance.
The book is easy to follow and one can open to any page and start
reading. It is written in a friendly personable style and is a useful
addition to any tai chi library.

reviewed by Peter Uhlmann, MD