review - China, the art of law

Can I tell you Mark Schaub's book, China: the art of law. Chronicling deals, disasters, greed, stupidity and occasional success in the new China is a must-read if he is also a very good friend? Well, I think I just did.
Based on his 15-year legal experience and lack of predestined enemies, he can cut through a lot of bullshit, whether it is Chinese or foreign-invested. Much of the problems foreign companies go through in China, have been created by themselves. Blaming China or the China for that is not as common as it once was, but still a very active virus.
Mark promised me it would not be a thorough legal handbook, but if you are planning a joint venture or another major operation in China, buying the book might be a worthwhile expenditure, not only because of the dazzling amount of hilarious anecdotes.
Just one then:

Wolfgang was an unsuccessful middle manager in a large European company. The European company had recently completed negotiations for a joint venture in Tianjin and needed to appoint the General Manager. Wolfgang had been working for the company for 20 years and the most notable aspect of his career to date had been that he had not done anything notable. His direct supervisor believed that his poor English, lack of overseas experience (other than package holidays in Mallorca) and general lack of management skills would be no bar to his elevation to General Manager of the Joint Venture.
Indeed, all the potential drawbacks were overcome by one undeniable advantage of such an appointment - Tianjin was far away from Europe, and in such case, Wolfgang would be also far away. Within a short period of time, Wolfgang actually believed he was a top manager, was unable to deal with the Chinese partner, had fallen in love with his personal assistant and left his wife. (Possibly not in that order.)

There might be more than one Wolfgang in China. They might not recognize the story, I'm sure their supervisors will.
Publisher is CCH in Hong Kong and the ISBN number 13 978 988-99177 5 3. The book is not available on Amazon, but you can order it here.