Long before Brian Stewart -the author- had completed his Chinese studies, he discovered a host of useful explanations and tips which expedited his studies. This hard-won knowledge forms the basis for this book. Brian hopes readers will derive as much pleasure from learning something of this venerable language as members of his entourage have over the last half century. The idea behind this book was born when Brian was studying Chinese in China. Since his first teacher spoke no English, he had to learn as a Chinese child would, by endless practice. The "3 P" method (Practice, Practice and more Practice) was an excellent way to develop calligraphy but an inefficient way for an adult to learn. There are many books on this subject, but none have addressed it in the spirit of a wish to help an enthusiastic beginner make a quick, painless entry into the delights of the Chinese written language. Today, most foreign students of the Chinese written language are faced with sentences which are not suited for "first steps.

" Teachers try to teach beginners both the spoken language and the written language, at the same time . Chinese Without Tears for Beginner is a shortcut to the Chinese written language. It is not a text book nor a conventional phrase book. Its purpose is to help non-Chinese enjoy the Chinese "Sign Language" that has been developing for 4,000 years. Until the 20th century, it was a language known only to a small minority of Chinese. Few foreigners, unless they were dedicated students, have ever had the courage, tenacity and determination to tackle this language. Through this book, Brian and the coauthor, Adriano Lucca, intend to show that, although mastering the Chinese written language may take a lifetime, an understanding of the basics can be grasped in an afternoon , enabling visitors to become at least "partially sighted" as they move around China and Overseas Chinese communities throughout the world.