Books of the month: June 2023

Chongqing: The Biography

As the youngest Chinese municipality directly under the central government, Chongqing is nicknamed the "Mountain City" and is known for its long history, prosperous economy and unique charm. Published by Foreign Languages Press, "Chongqing: The Biography" is divided into three sections, which introduce the beauty and charm of Chongqing through its natural scenery, historical culture and local citizens. The book invites writers in Chongqing to use their passionate words to offer readers a captivating glimpse into the city.

A Bite of Hulun Buir

Located in northern China's Inner Mongolia, Hulun Buir has a wide range of landscapes such as grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes and wetlands. These have helped form a special cuisine with local characteristics. "A Bite of Hulun Buir" is published by Foreign Languages Press and explores the local food as well as the history and culture behind it.

400 Years of Western Regions

Published by the New World Press, "400 Years of Western Regions" tells stories of the Han dynasty (202 B.C.-A.D. 220) and ancient states in the Western Regions, focusing on the life-and-death struggle between the Han people and the Xiongnu tribe. 

The book is based on historical facts and is written in an easy-to-read style. It demonstrates the complex relationship between various ancient states in the Western Regions and the Han empire.

The Complete Works of Agatha Christie

The deluxe collector's edition of "The Complete Works of Agatha Christie," translated into Chinese, consists of 84 works. Among them, 40 are Poirot series, including 34 novels, four short story collections ("The Veiled Lady," "The Labours of Hercules," "Murder in the Mews" and "The Kidnapped Prime Minister"), and a novel adapted from the play"Black Coffee." The Miss Marple series contains 14 works, including two short story collections ("Miss Marple's Final Cases" and"The Thirteen Problems"). There are also 31 standalone works, including 21 novels, seven short story collections, two novels adapted from plays ("Spider's Web" and "The Unexpected Guest") and an autobiography. The collection is published by New Star Press.

A Tribute to Chinese Acrobatics: Chinese Acrobatics Through the Lens of a French Photographer (Bilingual Version) 

Published by China Pictorial Press, "A Tribute to Chinese Acrobatics: Chinese Acrobatics Through the Lens of a French Photographer" tells the stories of Chinese acrobats through 180 black-and-white photos spanning 33 years from 1987 to 2020. The collection includes not only photographs from performances but also candid shots both on and off the stage. It combines art, history and photographic aesthetics, telling China's stories from a foreigner's perspective.

Beijing Intangible Culture Heritage: An Oral History by Inheritors, Vol. 2 (Five Volumes in Total) 

Published by China Pictorial Press, the second volume of "Beijing Intangible Culture Heritage: An Oral History by Inheritors" shines a light on five representative inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. Through interviews with these inheritors and people close to them, the book fully describes their life experiences, including how they learned their crafts, and important figures and events that influenced their careers. It also demonstrates the practice and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage projects, as well as the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture. 

The five inheritors featured in the book are Wang Guanqin, inheritor of embroidered shoemaking; Mao Zifang, inheritor of Beijing carved porcelain; Liu Binghuan, inheritor of "Butterfly Catching" dance in Beijing's Haidian district; Song Yongtian, inheritor of Tongzi drum dance in Longquanwu village of Beijing's Mentougou district; and She Zengtai, inheritor of "Chef She" folk banquet.

The Clay Whistle (English Edition)

Nijiaojiao, a traditional clay whistle, is a toy with a history of over 1,000 years in China. Made from clay, it is environmentally friendly, and also has a quaint and lovely style, as well as high artistic value. Published by Dolphin Books, "The Clay Whistle" helps children appreciate the beauty of this Chinese intangible cultural heritage through captivating stories, lovely characters and delicate pictures.