China Through the Looking Glass: Nanjing, a cultural and
historical guide by author Roy Kesey, was launched by Beijing
Matric and Nanjing Tourist Bureau on Sunday in the Bookworm.
Roy Kesey, the author, and Chen Gang, the Vice Mayor of Nanjing,
made presentations on the press conference.
This book provides an insightful look at the complex history of
this former capital and will help visitors to gain a comprehensive
understanding of the geographic and political factors that have
shaped the city. It is the perfect travel companion for a visitor
who seeks to uncover the intricacies of Nanjing's history. With its
glossy illustrations it also makes a great read for the armchair
traveler.
Author Roy Kesey spent considerable time in Nanjing in order to
collect material and to interview many well-known local writers,
historians, artists and expatriates. "Roy Kesey has studied
literature, philosophy and art. He has traveled extensively and
done a great deal of research, and now has described a Chinese city
with a very long history -- an undertaking of great significance.
He has chosen to write about Nanjing and Nanjing has chosen him to
do the writing; no doubt both have chosen wisely," said Chen Gang,
Deputy Mayor of the Nanjing People's Government.
Further Information about the book and Beijing
Matric
China through the Looking Glass is a unique series of
travel guides that brings thoughtful analysis and fresh
perspectives to favourite Chinese destinations. Produced by Beijing
Matric Culture Communication Co. Ltd, each volume represents a
closer look at China through the eyes of professional foreign
writers-in-residence whose proven track record and genuine
enthusiasm for the country make for detailed and lively portraits
of China's thriving cities.? The series invites accomplished
authors to uncover each location and arranges for an open-arms
research policy with dedicated support at the government level,
allowing respected authors in the series to go deeper and take
greater advantage of informed local knowledge than most
foreign-language China guides are able to do.
Beijing Matric upholds a philosophy of bringing writers closer
to China and bringing China closer to writers. Dedicated to
providing a platform for talented foreign authors in China, Beijing
Matric is regularly expanding its destinations list and providing
new opportunities for expatriate authors, as well as organising
regular writers' events to encourage new, in-depth writing on
Chinese travel themes.
Comments from Media
?"For any traveler, student, teacher, or resident in
Nanjing, Roy Kesey's book is an invaluable guide to what could
otherwise be an overwhelming amount of sites to see.?He gives
unbiased information, logically presented in a compact and readable
format, allowing readers to gain a firm grasp on the history and
culture of one of the world's great historic capitals without being
bombarded by facts. Recommended as required reading for before,
during, and after a visit to any of Nanjing's sites."
--Julie Sisk, editor, MAP Magazine
"In this well-informed and beautifully observed book, Nanjing at
last has a guide worthy of its rich history and contemporary
vibrancy. An elegant, engaging writer, Roy Kesey is the ideal guide
to the mighty city on the Yangtze. His book avoids potted
recitation of facts in favor of compelling historical anecdotes,
scholarly quotes, and profiles of historical figures that breathe
life into Nanjing's many tourist sites and inform its unique modern
character. Leavened with humor and telling details, this book
should inspire many visits to Nanjing."
-- Adam Pillsbury, Editor of The Insider's Guide to Beijing
and Beijing Excursion Guide
"I can't imagine anyone better suited than Roy Kesey to present
Nanjing to the world. Focusing on the city's long history and
vibrant cultural scene, and possessed of the 'magic talent of
releasing flowers from his pen,' Kesey portrays the city vividly.
As he notes, the mythological animal known as the bixie, with its
head raised proudly to heaven, is the key to understanding the past
and present of Nanjing. Both visitors and armchair travelers will
find this book a joy to read."
-- Zhang Lijia, Author of Frog in a Well and co-author
of China Remembers
"Nanjing was the first city in China that I ever visited and it
left a deep impression on me. This book captures many of the first
and subsequent impressions that I gained of this great city of
Nanjing, the Southern Capital of China on the mighty Yangtze River.
It is great to see the City of Universal Love or Bo Ai from a
Westerner's viewpoint. The author has done a fabulous job of
researching the city's history, culture and attractions. It's a
feast of information on one of China's greatest tourist
cities."
-- Professor Alastair Morrison, Distinguished Professor of
Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, West
Lafayette, Indiana, USA and author of Hospitality and Travel
Marketing, The Tourism System, and Tourism:
Bridges across Continents.
(China.org.cn April 17, 2007)
