Mah Jongg: The Art & History of the Game

Additional Reviews:

"This book Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game rekindled in me an appreciation of this lovely art form's both frustrating and exhilarating experience of playing this game with friends of all ages. I am looking forward to sharing this book with both my artist and Mah Jongg friends and placing it front and center on my coffee table." — Rite-It blog

"The richly illustrated book explores the history of the game and the beauty of the tiles used to play it." — The Hartford Courant

"The book is an ideal gift for the discerning friend, a player, a collector and an appreciator of fine art and Asian culture and tradition." — The Waterbury

"…when I opened it, and read more about the game which already intrigued me, I knew I wanted a set of my very own." — Dolce Bellezza blog

"Add hundreds of color photos of these sets and extensive historical background and you have a celebration that will attract players and collectors alike." — Mid West Book Review

"Even if you don't have strong feelings about the game of Mah Jongg, if you're at all interested in Asian art or antiques, this is the coffee table book you never knew you always wanted." — Portland Book Review

"This book is the perfect addition to any avid player or collector's library. Featuring full color photographs by Michael Arnaud, the vast array of different sets come to vivid life. From bone to bamboo and even soap these gorgeous Mah Jongg tiles make you just itch to feel them under your fingers. Wonderful book!" — Bookgirl Knitting: An Eclectic Book Blog

"My favorite book, however, is Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game by Ann M. Israel and Gregg Swain, which covers the history of the game. Beautiful illustrations show examples of tiles made of Bakelite and Catalin, Pyralin and French ivory, bone and bamboo. The volume is fascinating to peruse and shows the diversity of tile styles. Particularly interesting are the 'flower' tiles. Yes, some depict flowers, but others depict birds, animals, simple landscapes, people, and so forth." — Moultrie News

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it's a very worthy addition to the world of Mah Jongg." —Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg League

This is the first book to fully capture the story of the exotic and exciting game of Mahjong or "Mah Jongg," offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the tiles. When authors Ann Israel and Gregg Swain began playing Mahjong, they were unaware of the vintage collections that existed not only in the United States but also across the globe. Slowly, they started to collect their own sets of Mahjong and as their collections grew, so did their appreciation of the history of, and interest in, the game.

Finding few references, Israel and Swain set out to create a book that chronicles the early beginnings of the game and documents Mahjong sets from the most basic, made of paper, to the most precious materials such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respected scholars and game experts have collaborated with Israel and Swain, contributing essential chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, prominent collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy.

With hundreds of beautiful new images by renowned photographer Michel Arnaud, and including historical documentation and ephemera, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game fills the void between the past's and today's game, providing vision, inspiration and resources. Anyone who has ever been intrigued by a Mahjong tile will find in these pages visually stunning photographs that will entice them into becoming an enthusiast of the timeless game of Mahjong.