Confucian chronicle

"Confucian Civilization" is an academic work analyzing the features of the Confucian civilization that dominated so much of East and Southeast Asia.

In addition to chronicling the evolution of Confucius' teaching and the societies based on it, the book details the characteristics of Confucian civilization during different periods, its weaknesses and its lingering influence in present-day China.

Publisher: China Social Sciences Press. In Chinese. Price: 25 yuan (US$3.10).

Alluring dream

"The Handan Dream" is one of the literary masterpieces written by Chinese dramatist Tang Xianzu in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Lu Sheng, the protagonist, is a down-and-out scholar who meets with Lu Dongbin, an immortal on a mission to convert a man into the world of the ever living, at a small inn in the city of Handan. With the help of the Lu, Lu Sheng experiences 50 years of life as an official, only to wake up to the reality that the millet the innkeeper cooks for him is not yet done.

Publisher: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. Bilingual: English, Chinese. Price: 75 yuan (US$9.30).

Everyday people

The novel "Abnormal City" is a written by Li Honglin, a journalist-turned writer in China, describes the economic transitional process of Dayang city, which is facing a serious energy shortage problem. The novel portrays a number of officials and everyday people who have had to overcome various difficulties on the road of economic reform. The book also slams the corruption and embezzlement of and by officials.

Publisher: Chunfeng Literature and Art Publishing House. In Chinese. Price: 18 yuan (US$2.20).

Funny things for kids

Adapted from one of Dr Seuss's best-selling titles, this delightful board book "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" explores some of the odd things that exist in the Seuss fantasy world. Along the way, young readers are introduced to colours, counting, opposites and rhyme. With his unique combination of funny stories, mad pictures and rhythmic rhymes, Dr Seuss has been delighting children and helping them learn to read for over fifty years. Creator of the anarchic Cat in the Hat, and ranked among the US's top ten favourite children's authors, Seuss is firmly established as a global best-seller.

Publisher: Picture Lions. In English. Price: 2.99 pounds.

Available online

(China Daily 12/30/2005 page13)