Zheng Manjing (Chen Man Ching) was an extraordinary man from an extraordinary place, but he also lived in extraordinary times. The historical backdrop to Zheng's life is the most turbulent and complex period in Chinese history: The overthrow of the Manchu dynasty, the founding of the Republic, warlordism, May Fourth movement, Communist revolution, War of Resistance (World War II), Civil War, exile in Taiwan, Korean War, Vietnam War, and Sixties sojourn in New York. ... To grasp his accomplishments in painting, calligraphy, poetry, medicine, and martial arts, Western readers must imagine an individual who is an Olympic boxer, president of a national medical association, distinguished poet and professor of literature, and whose paintings hang in the Louvre. Wile's account of the cultural and historical influences on Zheng's life and accomplishments is concise yet full. Zheng's uncollected writings and lectures on Taijiquan, Qigong, and health are masterfully translated, and fully reflect the depth and breadth of his mastery.