Decoding Italian Wine: a Beginner's Guide to Enjoying the Grapes, Regions, Practices and Culture of the Land of Wine

Decoding Italian Wine: a Beginner's Guide to Enjoying the Grapes, Regions, Practices and Culture of the Land of Wine

Author: Andrew Cullen

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2014-12-03

Total Pages: 108

ISBN-13: 9781503136915

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Wine books typically fall into two categories: those that are 1,000 pages and cover every acre of grape growing across a particular country, and those that try to squeeze the same amount of information into a smaller number of pages. While there's a place for those books, we believe an introductory study of wine can be achieved without committing to an academic, encyclopedic read or bulling through a condensed group of dry facts. Written by the creators of CostcoWineBlog.com and VivaItalianMovies.com, "Decoding Italian Wine" is a fun, entertaining and easily digestible guide to enjoying Italian wine. Set against a backdrop of fast facts, regional breakdowns with maps, pop culture references and interesting historical tidbits, "Decoding Italian Wine" allows readers to absorb a plethora of Italian wine information without the effort required to study dense text filled with obscure grape varietals and arcane industry lingo. Our goal is for readers to feel comfortable visiting the Italian wine section at their local wine shop, engaging in dialogue about the wine, and picking out a bottle they'll enjoy. We want readers to open the wine list at an Italian restaurant, understand what they're looking at, and have fun picking a wine that will pair best with their meal. Along the way we'll show you how to read Italian wine labels, discuss how Italian wines are classified, suggest some amusing Italian phrases to work into your vocabulary, highlight rappers' passion for Moscato, and even share a little bit about the wine scenes in classic Italian films like "Bicycle Thieves" and "La Dolce Vita." Salute!


Book Synopsis Decoding Italian Wine: a Beginner's Guide to Enjoying the Grapes, Regions, Practices and Culture of the Land of Wine by : Andrew Cullen

Download or read book Decoding Italian Wine: a Beginner's Guide to Enjoying the Grapes, Regions, Practices and Culture of the Land of Wine written by Andrew Cullen and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2014-12-03 with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Wine books typically fall into two categories: those that are 1,000 pages and cover every acre of grape growing across a particular country, and those that try to squeeze the same amount of information into a smaller number of pages. While there's a place for those books, we believe an introductory study of wine can be achieved without committing to an academic, encyclopedic read or bulling through a condensed group of dry facts. Written by the creators of CostcoWineBlog.com and VivaItalianMovies.com, "Decoding Italian Wine" is a fun, entertaining and easily digestible guide to enjoying Italian wine. Set against a backdrop of fast facts, regional breakdowns with maps, pop culture references and interesting historical tidbits, "Decoding Italian Wine" allows readers to absorb a plethora of Italian wine information without the effort required to study dense text filled with obscure grape varietals and arcane industry lingo. Our goal is for readers to feel comfortable visiting the Italian wine section at their local wine shop, engaging in dialogue about the wine, and picking out a bottle they'll enjoy. We want readers to open the wine list at an Italian restaurant, understand what they're looking at, and have fun picking a wine that will pair best with their meal. Along the way we'll show you how to read Italian wine labels, discuss how Italian wines are classified, suggest some amusing Italian phrases to work into your vocabulary, highlight rappers' passion for Moscato, and even share a little bit about the wine scenes in classic Italian films like "Bicycle Thieves" and "La Dolce Vita." Salute!

Decoding French Wine

Decoding French Wine

Author: Andrew Cullen

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2012-09-17

Total Pages: 56

ISBN-13: 9781479303182

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The wine world can be intimidating to people who are just starting out. French wines can add an additional layer of complexity given the different, and less familiar, ways the wines are classified. Decoding French Wine: A Beginner's Guide to Enjoying the Fruits of the French Terroir is a short, almost pocketbook guide, written to help early stage wine drinkers navigate the world of French wine so they feel comfortable opening up a French wine list and understand exactly what they are ordering and why. This new second edition of the book covers the prominent areas of Bordeaux, Loire, Burgundy, Alsace, Rhone, Languedoc-Roussillon and Champagne in a short, concise and clear manner, covering the necessary geography, history and practices of each region for readers to gain a fundamental understanding of wine growing throughout the country and begin to explore, and build a familiarity with, wines from each of these areas.


Book Synopsis Decoding French Wine by : Andrew Cullen

Download or read book Decoding French Wine written by Andrew Cullen and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2012-09-17 with total page 56 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The wine world can be intimidating to people who are just starting out. French wines can add an additional layer of complexity given the different, and less familiar, ways the wines are classified. Decoding French Wine: A Beginner's Guide to Enjoying the Fruits of the French Terroir is a short, almost pocketbook guide, written to help early stage wine drinkers navigate the world of French wine so they feel comfortable opening up a French wine list and understand exactly what they are ordering and why. This new second edition of the book covers the prominent areas of Bordeaux, Loire, Burgundy, Alsace, Rhone, Languedoc-Roussillon and Champagne in a short, concise and clear manner, covering the necessary geography, history and practices of each region for readers to gain a fundamental understanding of wine growing throughout the country and begin to explore, and build a familiarity with, wines from each of these areas.

Wine Isn't Rocket Science

Wine Isn't Rocket Science

Author: Ophelie Neiman

Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal

Published: 2017-04-25

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 031643129X

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Rocket science is complicated, wine doesn't have to be! With information presented in an easy, illustrated style, and chock-full of the fool-proof and reliable knowledge of a seasoned oenophile, Wine Isn't Rocket Science is the guide you always wished existed. From how grapes are grown, harvested and turned into wine, to judging the color, aroma, and taste of the world's most popular varietals, to understanding terroir and feeling confident ordering and serving wine at any occasion, this book explains it all in the simplest possible way. Every page, every piece of information, and every detail is illustrated in charming and informative four-color drawings that explain concepts at a glance. Includes detailed information on the following varietals (wine made from a particular grape) in the order in which they're presented in the book: WhiteChardonnaySauvignon BlancCheninGewürztraminerViognierSemillonRieslingMarsanne BlendRolle-VermentinoMuscatPinot Grigio/GrisPinot BlancMuscadetSoaveAlbarinoTorrontesGruner VeltlinerAssyrtikoChampagneCavaProsecco RedPinot NoirCabernet-SauvignonMerlotCabernet-FrancMalbecPetit VerdotBordeaux BlendSyrahGrenacheMourvedreCarignanRhone/GSM BlendGamayNebbioloSangioveseBarberaValpolicella BlendAglianicoMontepulcianoNero D'AvolaNegroamaroZinfandelPetit SirahCarmenereTempranilloMenciaTouriga NacionalPinotageBlaufrankischLambruscoRose DessertPortSherry MarsalaMadeiraVin SantoSauternesTokaji Ice Wine


Book Synopsis Wine Isn't Rocket Science by : Ophelie Neiman

Download or read book Wine Isn't Rocket Science written by Ophelie Neiman and published by Black Dog & Leventhal. This book was released on 2017-04-25 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rocket science is complicated, wine doesn't have to be! With information presented in an easy, illustrated style, and chock-full of the fool-proof and reliable knowledge of a seasoned oenophile, Wine Isn't Rocket Science is the guide you always wished existed. From how grapes are grown, harvested and turned into wine, to judging the color, aroma, and taste of the world's most popular varietals, to understanding terroir and feeling confident ordering and serving wine at any occasion, this book explains it all in the simplest possible way. Every page, every piece of information, and every detail is illustrated in charming and informative four-color drawings that explain concepts at a glance. Includes detailed information on the following varietals (wine made from a particular grape) in the order in which they're presented in the book: WhiteChardonnaySauvignon BlancCheninGewürztraminerViognierSemillonRieslingMarsanne BlendRolle-VermentinoMuscatPinot Grigio/GrisPinot BlancMuscadetSoaveAlbarinoTorrontesGruner VeltlinerAssyrtikoChampagneCavaProsecco RedPinot NoirCabernet-SauvignonMerlotCabernet-FrancMalbecPetit VerdotBordeaux BlendSyrahGrenacheMourvedreCarignanRhone/GSM BlendGamayNebbioloSangioveseBarberaValpolicella BlendAglianicoMontepulcianoNero D'AvolaNegroamaroZinfandelPetit SirahCarmenereTempranilloMenciaTouriga NacionalPinotageBlaufrankischLambruscoRose DessertPortSherry MarsalaMadeiraVin SantoSauternesTokaji Ice Wine

Vino Italiano Buying Guide, Revised and Updated

Vino Italiano Buying Guide, Revised and Updated

Author: Joseph Bastianich

Publisher: Clarkson Potter Publishers

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 0307406504

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This reference of Italian wines that are available in the United States includes practical information about the wine maker as well as descriptions of the wines.


Book Synopsis Vino Italiano Buying Guide, Revised and Updated by : Joseph Bastianich

Download or read book Vino Italiano Buying Guide, Revised and Updated written by Joseph Bastianich and published by Clarkson Potter Publishers. This book was released on 2008 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This reference of Italian wines that are available in the United States includes practical information about the wine maker as well as descriptions of the wines.

Vino Italiano

Vino Italiano

Author: Joseph Bastianich

Publisher: Clarkson Potter

Published: 2012-07-11

Total Pages: 546

ISBN-13: 0770434266

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At one time, Italian wines conjured images of cheap Chianti in straw-wrapped bottles. More recently, expensive “Super Tuscans” have been the rage. But between these extremes lay a bounty of delicious, moderately priced wines that belong in every wine drinker’s repertoire. Vino Italiano is the only comprehensive and authoritative American guide to the wines of Italy. It surveys the country’s wine-producing regions; identifies key wine styles, producers, and vintages; and offers delicious regional recipes. Extensive reference materials—on Italy’s 300 growing zones, 361 authorized grape varieties, and 200 of the top producers—provide essential information for restaurateurs and wine merchants, as well as for wine enthusiasts. Beautifully illustrated as well as informative, Vino Italiano is the perfect invitation to the Italian wine experience.


Book Synopsis Vino Italiano by : Joseph Bastianich

Download or read book Vino Italiano written by Joseph Bastianich and published by Clarkson Potter. This book was released on 2012-07-11 with total page 546 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At one time, Italian wines conjured images of cheap Chianti in straw-wrapped bottles. More recently, expensive “Super Tuscans” have been the rage. But between these extremes lay a bounty of delicious, moderately priced wines that belong in every wine drinker’s repertoire. Vino Italiano is the only comprehensive and authoritative American guide to the wines of Italy. It surveys the country’s wine-producing regions; identifies key wine styles, producers, and vintages; and offers delicious regional recipes. Extensive reference materials—on Italy’s 300 growing zones, 361 authorized grape varieties, and 200 of the top producers—provide essential information for restaurateurs and wine merchants, as well as for wine enthusiasts. Beautifully illustrated as well as informative, Vino Italiano is the perfect invitation to the Italian wine experience.

Italian Wine For Dummies

Italian Wine For Dummies

Author: Mary Ewing-Mulligan

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2011-04-18

Total Pages: 331

ISBN-13: 1118069595

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"A must-have book for anyone who is serious about Italian wines." —Lidia Bastianich, host of PBS?s Lidia's Italian Table "I have yet to encounter more knowledgeable guides to...Italian wine." —Piero Antinori, President, Antinori Wines "Bravo to Ed and Mary! This book shows their love for Italy, the Italian producers, and the great marriage of local foods with local wines. Here is a great book that presents the information without intimidation." —Piero Selvaggio, VALENTINO Restaurant Right now, Italy is the most exciting wine country on earth. The quality of Italian wines has never been higher and the range of wines has never been broader. Even better, the types of Italian wines available outside of Italy have never been greater. But with all these new Italian wines and wine zones not to mention all the obscure grape varieties, complicate blends, strange names and restrictive wine laws. Italian wines are also about he most challenging of all to master. The time has come for comprehensive, up-to-date guides to Italian wines. Authored by certified wine educators and authors Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan, Italian Wine For Dummies introduces you to the delectable world of fine Italian wine. It shows you how to: Translate wine labels Identify great wine bargains Develop your own wine tastes Match Italian wines with foods Here's everything you need to know to enjoy the best Tuscans, Sicilians, Abruzzese and other delicious Italian wines. This lighthearted and informative guide explores: The styles of wine made in Italy and the major grape varieties used to make them How the Italian name their wines, the complicated laws governing how names are given and the meanings of common label terminology Italy's important wine regions including a region-by-region survey of the best vineyards and their products A guide to pronouncing Italian wine terms and names and how to order Italian wines in restaurants For Italians, wine (vino) is food (alimentari) and food is love (amore). And you can never have enough love in your life. So, order a copy of Italian Wine For Dummies, today and get ready to share the love!


Book Synopsis Italian Wine For Dummies by : Mary Ewing-Mulligan

Download or read book Italian Wine For Dummies written by Mary Ewing-Mulligan and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-04-18 with total page 331 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A must-have book for anyone who is serious about Italian wines." —Lidia Bastianich, host of PBS?s Lidia's Italian Table "I have yet to encounter more knowledgeable guides to...Italian wine." —Piero Antinori, President, Antinori Wines "Bravo to Ed and Mary! This book shows their love for Italy, the Italian producers, and the great marriage of local foods with local wines. Here is a great book that presents the information without intimidation." —Piero Selvaggio, VALENTINO Restaurant Right now, Italy is the most exciting wine country on earth. The quality of Italian wines has never been higher and the range of wines has never been broader. Even better, the types of Italian wines available outside of Italy have never been greater. But with all these new Italian wines and wine zones not to mention all the obscure grape varieties, complicate blends, strange names and restrictive wine laws. Italian wines are also about he most challenging of all to master. The time has come for comprehensive, up-to-date guides to Italian wines. Authored by certified wine educators and authors Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan, Italian Wine For Dummies introduces you to the delectable world of fine Italian wine. It shows you how to: Translate wine labels Identify great wine bargains Develop your own wine tastes Match Italian wines with foods Here's everything you need to know to enjoy the best Tuscans, Sicilians, Abruzzese and other delicious Italian wines. This lighthearted and informative guide explores: The styles of wine made in Italy and the major grape varieties used to make them How the Italian name their wines, the complicated laws governing how names are given and the meanings of common label terminology Italy's important wine regions including a region-by-region survey of the best vineyards and their products A guide to pronouncing Italian wine terms and names and how to order Italian wines in restaurants For Italians, wine (vino) is food (alimentari) and food is love (amore). And you can never have enough love in your life. So, order a copy of Italian Wine For Dummies, today and get ready to share the love!

Decoding Spanish Wine

Decoding Spanish Wine

Author: Ryan McNally

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2019-01-24

Total Pages: 122

ISBN-13: 9781722643881

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Wine lovers everywhere are starting to realize what the pros have known for some time: Spain delivers some of the world's highest-quality wines for the money. The big question many consumers have, though, is where to start in their Spanish wine journey.Decoding Spanish Wine: A Beginner's Guide to the High-Value, World-Class Wines of Spain cuts through the jargon and complexities to present the grapes, regions and culture of Spain in a concise, approachable format that will have beginning and middle-stage wine consumers on their way to becoming Spanish wine pros. Learn about the different types of grapes used in Spanish wines, along with the classifications listed on the bottle. Understand the main regions producing wine and how their culture and methods differ so you can better find wines that suit your tastes. Discover how you can visit a wine shop or restaurant and uncover some of the best bargains. Most importantly, have fun while you're doing it. Broadening your wine horizons doesn't have to involve bulling your way through a dense collection of mindnumbing facts. Written in an entertaining, easy-to-digest fashion, Decoding Spanish Wine includes the core info you need to get started on your journey to enjoying a new world of exciting, high-value wine from one of the planet's greatest wine-producing countries.


Book Synopsis Decoding Spanish Wine by : Ryan McNally

Download or read book Decoding Spanish Wine written by Ryan McNally and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2019-01-24 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Wine lovers everywhere are starting to realize what the pros have known for some time: Spain delivers some of the world's highest-quality wines for the money. The big question many consumers have, though, is where to start in their Spanish wine journey.Decoding Spanish Wine: A Beginner's Guide to the High-Value, World-Class Wines of Spain cuts through the jargon and complexities to present the grapes, regions and culture of Spain in a concise, approachable format that will have beginning and middle-stage wine consumers on their way to becoming Spanish wine pros. Learn about the different types of grapes used in Spanish wines, along with the classifications listed on the bottle. Understand the main regions producing wine and how their culture and methods differ so you can better find wines that suit your tastes. Discover how you can visit a wine shop or restaurant and uncover some of the best bargains. Most importantly, have fun while you're doing it. Broadening your wine horizons doesn't have to involve bulling your way through a dense collection of mindnumbing facts. Written in an entertaining, easy-to-digest fashion, Decoding Spanish Wine includes the core info you need to get started on your journey to enjoying a new world of exciting, high-value wine from one of the planet's greatest wine-producing countries.

An Unlikely Vineyard

An Unlikely Vineyard

Author: Deirdre Heekin

Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 1603584579

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An Unlikely Vineyard tells the evolutionary story of Deirdre Heekin’s farm from overgrown fields to a fertile, productive, and beautiful landscape that melds with its natural environment. Is it possible to capture landscape in a bottle? To express its terroir, its essence of place—geology, geography, climate, and soil—as well as the skill of the winegrower? That’s what Heekin and her chef/husband, Caleb Barber, set out to accomplish on their tiny, eight-acre hillside farm and vineyard in Vermont. But An Unlikely Vineyard involves much more. It also presents, through the example of their farming journey and winegrowing endeavors, an impressive amount of information on how to think about almost every aspect of gardening: from composting to trellising; from cider and perry making to growing old garden roses, keeping bees, and raising livestock; from pruning (or not) to dealing naturally with pests and diseases. Challenged by cold winters, wet summers, and other factors, Deirdre and Caleb set about to grow not only a vineyard, but an orchard of heirloom apples, pears, and plums, as well as gardens filled with vegetables, herbs, roses, and wildflowers destined for their own table and for the kitchen of their small restaurant. They wanted to create, or rediscover, a sense of place, and to grow food naturally using the philosophy and techniques gleaned from organic gardening, permaculture, and biodynamic farming. Accompanied throughout by lush photos, this gentle narrative will appeal to anyone who loves food, farms, and living well.


Book Synopsis An Unlikely Vineyard by : Deirdre Heekin

Download or read book An Unlikely Vineyard written by Deirdre Heekin and published by Chelsea Green Publishing. This book was released on 2014 with total page 386 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An Unlikely Vineyard tells the evolutionary story of Deirdre Heekin’s farm from overgrown fields to a fertile, productive, and beautiful landscape that melds with its natural environment. Is it possible to capture landscape in a bottle? To express its terroir, its essence of place—geology, geography, climate, and soil—as well as the skill of the winegrower? That’s what Heekin and her chef/husband, Caleb Barber, set out to accomplish on their tiny, eight-acre hillside farm and vineyard in Vermont. But An Unlikely Vineyard involves much more. It also presents, through the example of their farming journey and winegrowing endeavors, an impressive amount of information on how to think about almost every aspect of gardening: from composting to trellising; from cider and perry making to growing old garden roses, keeping bees, and raising livestock; from pruning (or not) to dealing naturally with pests and diseases. Challenged by cold winters, wet summers, and other factors, Deirdre and Caleb set about to grow not only a vineyard, but an orchard of heirloom apples, pears, and plums, as well as gardens filled with vegetables, herbs, roses, and wildflowers destined for their own table and for the kitchen of their small restaurant. They wanted to create, or rediscover, a sense of place, and to grow food naturally using the philosophy and techniques gleaned from organic gardening, permaculture, and biodynamic farming. Accompanied throughout by lush photos, this gentle narrative will appeal to anyone who loves food, farms, and living well.

What's a Wine Lover to Do?

What's a Wine Lover to Do?

Author: Wes Marshall

Publisher: Artisan

Published: 2010-06-07

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781579653705

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Hundreds of easy-to-scan tips in everyday language let time-starved readers find quick answers. Most people who enjoy wine would like to know more about it, to feel confident in what they like and why, to know the "lingo." Wine lover and writer Wes Marshall helps readers explore the world of wine, offering plainspoken explanations to wine questions that most people have but are hesitant to ask—no question is too simple, no answer too advanced. Like earlier titles in the series, such as the best-selling What's a Cook to Do?, this book offers empowering information in question-and-answer format with pronunciation guides, charts, maps, and step-by-steps—plus the best-bang-for-your-buck wine recommendations from well-known experts. Is Barolo a grape or a place? What do wine scores mean? What about sniffing the cork and which glasses to use? In this newest book in the What’s a ... to Do? series, Wes Marshall presents his years of wine experience and insider tips in everyday language that makes wine approachable and knowable.


Book Synopsis What's a Wine Lover to Do? by : Wes Marshall

Download or read book What's a Wine Lover to Do? written by Wes Marshall and published by Artisan. This book was released on 2010-06-07 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hundreds of easy-to-scan tips in everyday language let time-starved readers find quick answers. Most people who enjoy wine would like to know more about it, to feel confident in what they like and why, to know the "lingo." Wine lover and writer Wes Marshall helps readers explore the world of wine, offering plainspoken explanations to wine questions that most people have but are hesitant to ask—no question is too simple, no answer too advanced. Like earlier titles in the series, such as the best-selling What's a Cook to Do?, this book offers empowering information in question-and-answer format with pronunciation guides, charts, maps, and step-by-steps—plus the best-bang-for-your-buck wine recommendations from well-known experts. Is Barolo a grape or a place? What do wine scores mean? What about sniffing the cork and which glasses to use? In this newest book in the What’s a ... to Do? series, Wes Marshall presents his years of wine experience and insider tips in everyday language that makes wine approachable and knowable.

Decoded

Decoded

Author: Mai Jia

Publisher: Penguin UK

Published: 2014-03-12

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 0241961998

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Decoded tells the story of Rong Jinzhwen, one of the great code-breakers in the world. A semi-autistic mathematical genius, Jinzhen is recruited to the cryptography department of China's secret services, Unit 701, where he is assigned the task of breaking the elusive 'Code Purple'. Jinzhen rises through the ranks to eventually become China's greatest and most celebrated code-breaker; until he makes a mistake. Then begins his descent through the unfathomable darkness of the world of cryptology into madness. Decoded was an immediate success when it was published in 2002 in China and has become an international bestseller. With the pacing of a literary crime thriller, Mai Jia's masterpiece also combines elements of historical fiction and state espionage. Taking place in the shadowy world of Chinese secret security, where Mai Jia worked for decades, it introduces us to a place that is unfamiliar, intriguing and authentic. And with Rong Jinzhen, it introduces us to a character who is deeply flawed and fragile, yet possessing exceptional intelligence. Decoded is an unforgettable and gripping story of genius, brilliance, insanity and human frailty. Mai Jia (the pseudonym of Jiang Benhu) is arguably the most successful writer in China today. His books are constant bestsellers, with total sales over three million copies. He became the highest paid author in China last year with his new book, Wind Talk. He has achieved unprecedented success with film adaptation: all of his novels are made - or are being made - into major films or TV series, the screenplays of which are often written by Mai Jia himself. He is hailed as the forerunner of Chinese espionage fiction, and has created a unique genre that combines spycraft, code-breaking, crime, human drama, historical fiction, and metafiction. He has won almost every major award in China, including the highest literary honor - the Mao Dun Award.


Book Synopsis Decoded by : Mai Jia

Download or read book Decoded written by Mai Jia and published by Penguin UK. This book was released on 2014-03-12 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Decoded tells the story of Rong Jinzhwen, one of the great code-breakers in the world. A semi-autistic mathematical genius, Jinzhen is recruited to the cryptography department of China's secret services, Unit 701, where he is assigned the task of breaking the elusive 'Code Purple'. Jinzhen rises through the ranks to eventually become China's greatest and most celebrated code-breaker; until he makes a mistake. Then begins his descent through the unfathomable darkness of the world of cryptology into madness. Decoded was an immediate success when it was published in 2002 in China and has become an international bestseller. With the pacing of a literary crime thriller, Mai Jia's masterpiece also combines elements of historical fiction and state espionage. Taking place in the shadowy world of Chinese secret security, where Mai Jia worked for decades, it introduces us to a place that is unfamiliar, intriguing and authentic. And with Rong Jinzhen, it introduces us to a character who is deeply flawed and fragile, yet possessing exceptional intelligence. Decoded is an unforgettable and gripping story of genius, brilliance, insanity and human frailty. Mai Jia (the pseudonym of Jiang Benhu) is arguably the most successful writer in China today. His books are constant bestsellers, with total sales over three million copies. He became the highest paid author in China last year with his new book, Wind Talk. He has achieved unprecedented success with film adaptation: all of his novels are made - or are being made - into major films or TV series, the screenplays of which are often written by Mai Jia himself. He is hailed as the forerunner of Chinese espionage fiction, and has created a unique genre that combines spycraft, code-breaking, crime, human drama, historical fiction, and metafiction. He has won almost every major award in China, including the highest literary honor - the Mao Dun Award.