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History books that are usually serious are becoming popular now
in China thanks to the way they are being retold with simple and
interesting approaches. These kinds of books have now jumped to the
top of bestseller lists.
Sales of Commentary on the Three Kingdoms by Yi
Zhongtian have surpassed one million, while more than 10,000
websites rave about Stories from the Ming Dynasty by
Dangnian Mingyue.
TV has been a huge influence on the revival of interest in
history books. "Baijia Jiangtan," or "Lecture Room," on China
Central Television is a prominent factor. Professors Yi Zhongtian,
Ji Lianhai, Yan Chongnian's simple and interesting ways of telling
stories on the program captivate audiences and arouse their
interest and desire to read more about history.
In addition, history books help connect readers with history. "I
have read a lot research on history. History itself is very
interesting and fabulous, but I hate obscure books. The current
books absorb many modern facts to accommodate people's reading
habits," Dangnian Mingyue said.
Other popular "new history" books include Record of the Ming
Dynasty (Diguo Zhengjie Wangshi) by Li Yaping, Genghis
Khan and the Form of Today's World (Chengji Sihan he Jinri
Shijie zhi Xingcheng) by Yao Dali and Hidden Rules (Qian
Guize) by Wu Si.
(CRI September 23, 2006)
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