Books of the month: August 2023

Here are six books from publishing houses under China International Communications Group that will give you a glimpse into contemporary China as well as the country's ancient poetry and history. 

Decoding the Chinese Path to Modernization

Published by Foreign Languages Press, "Decoding the Chinese Path to Modernization" is a recent volume of the"Sharing Knowledge on China's Discourse" series by the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies.

Using keywords as a clue and based on a study of history, comparisons, typical cases, and relevant statistics, the book attempts to explain the key concepts and main features of the Chinese path to modernization, aiming to help the international community better understand the path.

Exploring Flowers with Ancient Poets

Published by the New World Press, this book offers a collection of 700 ancient poems related to flowers and plants, as well as 1,200 historical anecdotes that delve into the emotions and narratives conveyed by flowers and plants within traditional Chinese poetry and opera.

Within the pages, readers will also find 114 celebrated ancient paintings, creating a harmonious blend of poetic verses, captivating stories, and the exquisite beauty of seasonal blossoms.

Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward

Published by the New Star Press, "Fed Up: Emotional Labor, Women, and the Way Forward" is an English-language book originally written by American writer Gemma Hartley and translated into Chinese by Hong Huifang. 

In this book, the writer unveils the invisible negative emotions such as frustration and anger experienced by countless women in their daily life, addresses traditional gender-based division of labor and offers insightful guide to strike a real balance for true partnership in every aspect of their lives.

A Thousand Years in a Glance

Published by China Pictorial Press, "A Thousand Years in a Glance" is a book centering on Dunhuang culture written by Chen Yinke, an esteemed late Chinese scholar. Combined with exquisite illustrations, the book displays Dunhuang's glorious culture and history through the writer's profound knowledge and unique aesthetic perspective.

Patterns: Inside the Design Library  

The book, collecting more than 550 patterns in 39 categories, is an insider's guide to the world's largest archive of patterns and textiles. The designs are demonstrated in various forms including hand painting, printed fabric, woven fabric, embossed wallpaper, and velvet. 

The book provides not only insights and inspirations for designers, but also offers access to exquisite patterns to those who love to appreciate the beauty and art of decoration. The Chinese edition is published by China Pictorial Press. 

Romance of the Three Kingdoms - Picture-story Books of Chinese Classics 

Published by Dolphin Books, the picture-story book "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" collects more than 1,000 paintings by Chinese masters, showcasing the charm of the classic novel. Pictures painted with traditional line-drawing techniques together with detailed and easy-to-understand captions depict the history of the warring three kingdoms of Wei, Shu and Wu during the late Eastern Han dynasty (25-220).