This year's book series focusing on the socio-economic development of China and published by the Social Sciences Documentation Publishing House, has rolled off the press.

The series consists of a total of 20 books -- 12 "blue books," four "yellow books" and four "green books."

Meanwhile, the English edition will soon hit the market.

With each book focusing on a particular aspect of development, the series gives a kaleidoscopic view of Chinese society over the past year and at the same time makes predictions for the coming year.

The publisher, which is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, has made full use of its good relationship with the country's most talented scholars. The book's authors are all renowned social scientists and well-established experts.

Among them are economist Wang Luolin, linguist Jiang Lansheng and Li Shenming. All three are vice-presidents of the academy.

Also included on the list of authors are economist Liu Guoguang and philosopher Ru Xin, both of whom are former vice-presidents of the academy.

Two of the most striking books of the series are "Blue Book of China's Society: Analysis and Forecast on China's Social Development 2004" and "Blue Book of China's Economy: Analysis and Forecast on China's Economy 2004."

With authoritative sources and abundant economic indicators, the books have been warmly welcomed by readers from both home and abroad since the series debuted in 1997.

In order to make it convenient for readers, this year each book is accompanied with a disc, containing the full content of the book.

According to the Social Sciences Documentation Publishing House, the book series has become a brand name in the publishing circle.

"Many foreign scholars and institutes have also shown keen interest in the series, as the books provide authoritative sources for their China study," said Xie Shouguang, president of the press.

Xie said this year they will hasten the publishing of the English edition.

"We have heard many complaints about the delay in publishing the English editions in past years. This year we are going to address that problem," said Xie, who did not announce the exact release date of the English edition.

(China Daily December 31, 2003)