What is the next step for a foreign student of the Chinese language after mastering the phonetics, grammar, and a fair amount of vocabulary? It is highly desirable to grasp something typical Chinese-like idioms, set phrases, proverbs or even the two-part allegorical sayings peculiar to Chinese. These idioms are so closely related to Chinese culture that once one has mastered them, one will not only be able to speak idiomatic Chinese and sound more like a native speaker, but also penetrate deeper into Chinese culture, and gradually become a "China Hand".  

For this purpose, we have composed this Gems of the Chinese Language Through the Ages series, which comprises the following four books:

      The Stories Behind 100 Chinese Idioms

      100 Pearls of Chinese Wisdom

      100 Common Chinese Idioms and Set Phrases

      100 Chinese Two-Part Allegorical Sayings

These idioms and proverbs have been chosen for their frequency of use, practical value and expressiveness. Each one is accompanied by an English translation and an appropriate illustration. Some obscure expressions are classified with the help of annotations in both Chinese and English.