Sons of Heaven

by Sheila Urquhart (1908-1992)

BORN in Shanghai in 1909, in the dying days of the Sons of Heaven's reign, Sheila Urquhart involves us in her world and we view a China few Westerners have seen. Her faithful Amah is always by her side, telling her stories to keep the young girl amused, and this is where her interest begins: in the legends of the dynasties and the great legacy left by the Sons of Heaven on the world, even today. We see their influence in the fine china and porcelain of the Ming Dynasty, in the roads and cities they forged, in their spirituality and beliefs. Amah is not the only storyteller the author has around her - her mother and father have extensive knowledge of Chinese history and all of them contribute to a lifelong love and interest for the passionate young listener.

Famous warriors and leaders are littered throughout the tales, men such as Genghis Khan, Marco Polo and Mao Tse Tung. Interspersed amongst the legends we live through the early days of the Communist regime and the tenuous political situation in 1920s Shanghai. Sheila matures from a lively adolescent to a young lady who, despite the country's turmoil, still manages to have a social life befitting a young woman and on one of these outings she meets her future husband Dickie. They marry and stay in China for several years until the war strife becomes too dangerous and they immigrate to England. This is where her voice leaves us but she intimates that this is not the last time she'll set foot in her beloved China. An Epilogue and Appendix complete her story and are useful end-notes for a life well-lived.

As well as the fascinating stories, the author has illustrated the text throughout with stunning pastel, ink and watercolour paintings, including the eye-catching jacket illustration. With the book's large format and full colour, the illustrations are sumptuously detailed and bring the text to life beautifully. A multitude of photos scattered throughout the text gives real insight into the customs and attitudes of early Twentieth Century China.

Part memoir, part history lesson, Sons of Heaven takes the reader into the hidden world of China and its legends. Sure to delight anyone interested in China and its history, Sons of Heaven is a rare and unique glimpse into a thriving society at a time when the world was in turmoil.

ISBN 978-0-9803365-4-2
Published by Catbird Media

1 copy: $32.50 (Plus P&H)

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