The unique character of San Francisco's Chinatown is revealed in a historical map and fascinating photographs This colorful and playful time capsule of San Francisco's Chinatown shares the stories of the unique businesses, culture, and people encountered by map illustrator Ken Cathcart between 1939 and 1955. Each quadrant of the map, supplemented by never-before-seen black-and-white photographs and meticulous research, drops the reader into a world of curious characters that reveals a glimpse of the immigration story so universal to America in both its celebratory aspects and its darkness.

From the bestselling author of The Island of Sea Women, here is the true story of the one-hundred-year-odyssey of the author’s Chinese-American family, combining years of research with “fascinating family anecdotes, imaginative details, and the historical details of immigrant life” (Amy Tan, bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club). "As engagingly readable as any novel." —Los Angeles Times Book Review In 1867, Lisa See's great-great-grandfather arrived in America, where he prescribed herbal remedies to immigrant laborers who were treated little better than slaves. His son Fong See later built a mercantile empire and married a Caucasian woman, in spite of laws prohibiting interracial marriage. Lisa herself grew up playing in her family's antiques store in Los Angeles's Chinatown, listening to stories of missionaries and prostitutes, movie stars and Chinese baseball teams. See’s family history encompasses secret marriages, entrepreneurial genius, romance, racism, and much more, as two distinctly different cultures meet in a new world in this “lovingly rendered…vivid tableau of a family and an era” (People).

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Fong Dun Shung was a herbalist who traveled from village to village teaching people about the importance of balancing their qi. He was given a free trip to the Gold Mountain, and his sons were promised jobs. #2 Fong Dun Shung was a Chinese doctor who helped the Chinese workers on the railroad when they got sick. He was ministering to a woman with boils when the scout asked if he would like to go to the Gold Mountain to help the Chinese laborers when they got sick. #3 Fong Dun Shung, traveling to Canton, China, in 1862, was one of the first Chinese merchants to go there and sell products to the Europeans. He was a successful Gold Mountain man, and he hoped to become the headman of his village. #4 When Fong Dun Shung and his two sons arrived in San Francisco, they were confused and lost. There were no immigration procedures or customs officials. They were told they would be met by someone, but they didn’t know who.

For two decades Shirley Fong-Torres has guided 20,000 visitors a year through San Francisco¿s Chinatown. This book shows why so many keep coming back for more. It¿s Chinese-American history with a bottomless appetite for quirky anecdotes, respected traditions and exquisite dumplings. "I love Shirley Fong-Torres. Her effervescence and passion make her irresistible. If she writes a book I¿ll buy it, if she hosts a tour, I¿ll take it, if she recommends a restaurant I¿ll eat there." ¿Gene Burns, KGO, San Francisco "Shirley Fong-Torres knows San Francisco¿s Chinatown better than anyone¿She¿s downloaded a chunk of what she knows in this book, filled with great information and a touching account of her family history." ¿Michael Bauer, San Francisco Chronicle "I thought I knew San Francisco Chinatown, that is, until I met Shirley." ¿Martin Yan, YAN CAN COOK "Shirley Fong-Torres has a contagious love of life, people, place and food¿I am rapt by her stories, energized by her passion and touched by her spirit." ¿Joey Altman, BAY CAF "This is Shirley Fong-Torres, a very bossy woman. But if you want to do business in San Francisco Chinatown you have to deal with her. She knows everybody and everything." ¿Comedian Martin Clune

Diverse and true stories reveal the hardships of life in San Francisco Chinatown over half a century ago. A "got-to-read" book for devotees of ethnic history in America!

Discusses the reasons Chinese people left their homeland to come to America, the experiences immigrants had in the new country, and the contributions this cultural group made to American society. Includes activities.