Yong Ho received his Ph.D. in anthropology and linguistics, with a specialty in Chinese anthropology and language, from Columbia University. He served as the Director of Language at the China Institute in New york City and has taught Chinese at various institutions in the U.S. His other books include Chinese Practical Dictionary, Beginner's Chinese with 2 Audio CDs (Second Edition), China: An Illustrated History, and Chinese Dictionary & Phrasebook, all published by Hippocrene Books.