Books of the month: February 2023

Chronicles of the New Era

Published by Foreign Languages Press, "Chronicles of the New Era" is a compelling collection of stories written by renowned Chinese authors including Mo Yan and Chi Zijian, which offers readers an intimate glimpse into everyday lives, relationships, emotions, challenges, and aspirations of people in contemporary China. 

Originally published in People's Literature magazine, this collection has been translated into seven foreign languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Korean, with the aim of sharing the experiences of Chinese people with a broader international audience. 

Where does China's Confidence Come from: A Cultural Perspective

"Where does China's Confidence Come from: A Cultural Perspective" explores the rich cultural roots of the Chinese civilization, delving into its unique characteristics, including its long history of unified governance, humanistic values, pluralistic national identity, ethical responsibility, and universalism. 

Published by the New World Press, this book aims to answer three critical questions that have perplexed historians: How did the ancient Chinese people manage to thrive in such a vast and populous land? How did they manage to create a culture that uniquely assimilated diverse ethnic groups? And how did they sustain this civilization for thousands of years?

Through an in-depth exploration of the Chinese cultural system and its unique characteristics, this book reveals the powerful cohesiveness and tenacity that have been provided to the Chinese nation by its cultural heritage.

East-West Dialogue: Exchange and Mutual Learning

"East-West Dialogue: Exchange and Mutual Learning" is a collection of interviews from the Chinese news program "East-West Questions," featuring nearly 60 high-profile individuals including former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and renowned economist Justin Yifu Lin, discussing topics such as culture, democracy, human rights, economics, and law. 

The book is organized into five chapters, including "Cultural Exchange," "Observations on China and the U.S.," and "Cultural Life." It aims to provide a platform for multicultural dialogue and understanding, while dispelling stereotypes and promoting inclusiveness and rational thinking. The book is published by Dolphin Books. 

Monsters and Mythical Beasts

Translated from the English edition "Monsters and Mythical Beasts," this book explores the fascinating and eerie world of creatures from around the world, ranging from mythological guardians of temples and treasures to wild beasts roaming the wilderness in search of prey. 

Published by China Pictorial Press, this book delves into the human psyche and natural phenomena that led to the creation of monsters, as well as the shared features of these creatures across cultures. Part of the "Firefly" series, this book offers a wealth of information, captivating images, and expert analysis, making it an entertaining and informative read for history enthusiasts.

Paint like the Masters

Translated from the English edition of "Paint like the Masters," the book delves into the world of art and explores what makes a painter a master. From Rembrandt to Monet, the book takes a look at the lives and works of some of the most renowned artists in history, and uncovers the untold stories behind their creations. 

Divided into two parts, the first section introduces painting mediums such as oil and acrylic. The second section features case studies of artists such as Raphael, Van Gogh, and Henri Matisse. 

Readers will learn about the artists' backgrounds, appreciate their iconic works, and find inspiration in the artists' techniques. Through this book, readers will gain an understanding of famous paintings and learn how to apply the techniques of the masters to their own artwork. The book is published by China Pictorial Press.

The Best of Greg Egan

"The Best of Greg Egan" is a collection of 20 classic works from renowned contemporary hard science fiction writer Greg Egan, who has won 190 world-class science fiction awards and nominations in his 30-year career, including the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award. 

Published by New Star Press, this book offers a unique opportunity for readers to delve into Egan's mind-bending ideas and stories, exploring the inner workings of human consciousness and the mysteries of the universe through his works. 

Complete Works of Yan Jiayan

Published by New Star Press, "Complete Works of Yan Jiayan" is a collection of articles and books written by Yan Jiayan, the famous literary historian, literary critic, and the leading figure of the second generation of Chinese modern literature researchers in China. 

The 10-volume collection is a summary of Yan's academic thoughts on various topics such as the discovery and criticism of Lu Xun's polyphonic novels, the recognition and research of Wuxia novels represented by Jin Yong, and the thinking and debates over the periodization of Chinese literature history.

Chinese Children's Fantasy Literature Classic Series

Published by Dolphin Books, the "Chinese Children's Fantasy Literature Classic Series" is a collection of five books: "The Children in the Cellphone," "The Child of the Wind," "The Hidden Boy," "The Daughter of the Great Bear," and "The Bet of the Mountain God." The books are translated from Chinese to English, full of imagination and Chinese elements. 

My Shanghai

Published by Dolphin Books, "My Shanghai" is an English picture book for children under 6. The book presents 18 representative scenic spots and life scenarios in Shanghai through the lens of the young protagonists living in the city.

The book is authored by writers of Chinese descent and illustrated by a Russian artist.