MAJOR NATIONS IN A GLOBAL WORLD: TRADITION, CULTURE, AND DAILY LIFE

by John Perritano

Indigenous peoples, British settlers, recent immigrant groups: Australia’s past—along with the vast continent it occupies—gives the country its unique character. The astounding beauty of the Great Barrier Reef; the Outback still home to many aborigines; the native instrument called the didgeridoo; world-class cities such as Melbourne and Sydney—these highlights and more are celebrated in this volume on Australia’s customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination.

by John Perritano

Rooted in millennia of history but moving to the contemporary beat of globalization, Chinese society is marked both by tradition and rapid change. The urban bustle of cities like Shanghai and Beijing; the Great Wall of China and temples to Confucius; rice balls, ramen, and chopsticks; the Lantern Festival, tai chi, and ping pong—China’s new and old worlds are both celebrated in this volume on the country’s customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination.

by Richard Garratt

Long hailed—across history and around the world—as a cultural mecca, France truly earns that title. Its graceful cities with cafés, grand boulevards, and stylish shops; its cathedral towns and medieval fortresses; its high cuisine and artisanal traditions; its passionate and cosmopolitan people—these highlights and more are explored in this volume on France’s customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination.

by Michael Centore

Shaped by deep religious traditions, India is marked by a thriving democracy and rising middle class, alongside economic and cultural diversity. The country’s richness inspires wonder. The extraordinary beauty of the Taj Mahal and “The Blue City” of Jodhpur; the teeming streets of Mumbai and Delhi; chutneys, lentils, and tandoor ovens—these highlights and more are explored in this volume on Indian culture and customs. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination.

by Michael Centore

Throughout its history, Italy has been at the crossroads of people and civilizations. Its roots are in both ancient Rome and early-modern Europe—influences still evident today. The canals of Venice and Roman amphitheaters; Vatican City and the Catholic Church; fast cars and fashion runways; artisanal cheeses and the Slow Food movement—these traditions and more are all celebrated in this volume on Italy’s customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination.

by Michael Centore

Russia occupies a grand place on the world’s stage. Its sprawling landscape encompasses flat, grassy steppes and soaring mountains, as well as a wide array of ethnic groups and religious traditions. Hockey, bandy, and the Bolshoi Ballet; the sweeping novels of Tolstoy; the hearty richness of borscht; the springtime holiday of Maslenitsa—all these and more are celebrated in this volume on Russia’s customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination.

by John Perritano

Emerging from segregation under apartheid, South Africa is a vibrant country in transition. African, European, and South Asian traditions form a complex society with much national pride. Its physical beauty and bounty—beaches and surf like none other, wine grown in high-quality vineyards, and some of the best game preserves in the world—add to the keen interest people take in the culture and custom of this fast-changing country. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination.

by John Perritano

Germany is a country of contrasts—rolling hills and university towns next to big cities and the autobahn. Although once split between east and west, Germany is now a united economic force and a cultural magnet for young and old alike. Oktoberfest and bratwurst; Mercedes-Benz and BMW; Bach, Beethoven, and the night life of Berlin—these highlights and more are celebrated in this volume on Germany’s customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination.

by Michael Centore

"Mexico’s culture blends indigenous and European traditions—with its deep history still seen in ancient monuments. The country’s natural beauty is matched by a vibrant culture, known the world over. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera; the Day of the Dead and Cinco de Mayo; Mexican rodeo and mariachi bands—the flavors, sites, and sounds of Mexico are all explored in this volume on the country’s customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination. "

by Richard Garratt

"The United Kingdom occupies such a central role in world history that it’s hard to escape its influence. A deep respect for historical traditions, with flashes of influence from its imperial past, marks contemporary culture in the United Kingdom. Stonehenge and Westminster Abbey; Shakespeare and the Beatles; scotch whiskey and chicken tikka masala—these highlights and more are explored in this volume on British customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work; arts and entertainment; and cities, towns, and the countryside, Tradition, Culture, and Daily Life: Major Nations in a Global World explores what makes key countries unique magnets for the world’s fascination. "