First editions for a new era

China-themed books

Together with representatives from German and Lebanese publishers, Ioana Mogosanu with the Romanian Corint Publishing Group witnessed the signing of a co-publishing deal for the China in Focus series with the Foreign Languages Press in Frankfurt.

Running A Big Country, The Source of China's Confidence, From Getting Rich to Getting Strong are among the first 10 titles to be published under the series, which is a new publishing project initiated by the Foreign Languages Press earlier this year.

"There is an important Romanian community which has shown great interest in Chinese culture and China's development," Mogosanu says. "We are very happy to bring the China in Focus series to Romanian readers, a set of works that cover China's politics, economy, society, culture and ecology. Each volume highlights a hot topic being faced by countries all over the world."

Interest in the series has been so strong that her group has decided to initiate a new project at this month's national book fair in Romania about a new collection entitled Discover China. This will include all their new titles aimed at sharing and promoting Chinese values, traditions and achievements among Romanian people, she says - of which the China in Focus series will form one part.

Every book in the series has been written in conjunction with top experts in their fields, including Wang Yiwei writing about the Belt and Road Initiative, Han Zhen on Chinese values, Chi Fulin on the reform and opening-up and Xie Chuntao on the Party's anti-corruption campaign.

The Foreign Languages Press encouraged the authors to adopt an approachable style to writing and present their ideas through stories, examples and facts.

French photographer Yann Layma has been showing China through color photography since the 1980s. Through his lens, he captures villages, cities, lovers, shops and street scenes. The warmth and liveliness of everyday scenes are his specialty.

Produced in tandem with its namesake documentary, Fall in Love with China, published by Zhejiang University Press, is a photo book featuring Chinese and English commentaries.

Britain's New Classic Press is set to publish an English version of the book, says Jestin Winslett. "With a focus on the real daily lives of the ordinary Chinese people, Layma documents the changes to people's living conditions, and presents their experiences and achievements in the new era.

"Through vivid photographs, the book unfolds, at times, the bumpy history of China, and presents its ongoing journey which will amaze and appeal to everyone," Winslett adds. "More importantly, it helps to convey the message that China's development has brought about new opportunities both to its people and to the outside world, providing a broader platform for us all."

Two books by university professors will be added to the list of books on the theories underpinning China's development. Originally published in Chinese by the Higher Education Press, Socialist Political Economy with Chinese Characteristics and The Outline History of Socialist Political Economy with Chinese Characteristics, will be published in English by Cengage - with the first book outlining the logic behind China's development, and the second detailing how the country got to where it is today.