Only once every 3,000 years do a Western millennium year and a Chinese golden dragon year coincide. Acclaimed artist and book illustrator Song Nan Zhang and his journalist son, Hao Yu Zhang, have co-authored a celebration of this rare chronological event.

A Time of Golden Dragons also examines the history and impact of this mythical beast. Earliest dragon representations were probably inspired by giant crocodiles, so the authors present a timeline of dragon images from ancient dynasties to the past century. The following double-page spreads are each devoted to a specific piece of dragon lore, including the difference between Eastern and Western dragons, the origin of dragon boat races, and the importance of the Emperor’s dragon.

Noting how the Chinese use 12 animal symbols to mark the passing of hours as well as years, the authors provide a chart that pinpoints “daily dragon time.” They show how the Chinese calendar is also influenced by a two-year cycle moving through five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal (gold), and water. Every 60 years a dragon year coincides with a gold year, a time symbolizing the Chinese people’s longing for prosperity and peace.

Song Nan Zhang’s paintings are fine and detailed, with an overall impact of movement and fluid colour. The writing is clear and concise (at times tantalizingly brief), and the page layouts vary with attractive arrangements of image and text. As in his other books, Zhang has again illuminated an aspect of Chinese history and culture, and with his son has created a satisfying read for dragon fans everywhere.