I and China Bookstore

Author: Zhou Yan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: The "Book Forest Whispering Collection" is a six-volume series featuring the works of six experts and scholars. Although each volume has its own focus, they all explore the essence of ancient and modern books, the spirit of book collecting culture, and the profound meaning of the gathering and dispersal of classics. Their articles are both scholarly and engaging, allowing readers to savor the subtle conversations and discussions while experiencing the vicissitudes of culture. The "Book Forest Whispering Collection" covers refined topics such as reading, hunting for books, writing books, reviewing books, collecting books, and selling books, making it a series that caters to the needs of readers. It is highly readable and has gained favor among scholars.
With the extensive digitization of information, traditional books face challenges, and the exploration of modern lifestyles has somewhat overshadowed traditional cultural reception forms. Books, once the dominant cultural products, now stand somewhat precarious in the face of modern commercial pressures. However, those who believe in them will continue to believe. Regardless of how humans use high-tech devices to enhance their lives, paper books will still play a vital role in human culture. The publication of this series aims to stand firm against the clamor of the secular tide, raising a banner for the glorious history of paper books, honoring the great minds who rose to prominence from the world of paper books, and comforting those who remain immersed in paper books and will continue to carry on their legacy.
Naturally, publishers like Sanlian Bookstore have made similar efforts before. We are willing to join all fellow enthusiasts in preserving the sanctuary of our hearts—the world of books, simple yet ancient, resilient yet noble, filled with the scent of ink. This series is meticulously edited and modestly designed, embodying harmony between form and content, making it rare among its kind.
Lovers of books cannot help but love old books. In sustaining Chinese culture, old books are no less significant than new ones. Beijing has a long and influential tradition of old book circulation, having nurtured a generation of insightful and capable readers, discerning and uncommercial book sellers, and knowledgeable and visionary book appraisers. The author of this book is a reader and book appraiser deeply influenced by this tradition, making him the perfect person to write about Beijing's vast world of old books.
"My Life with China Bookstore" is a reference book reflecting the transformation of Beijing China Bookstore. Zhou Yan, the author, is a pioneer and leader of China Bookstore. The book vividly narrates the history of Beijing's ancient and old book industry, the successes and shortcomings of its socialist transformation, the business activities of China Bookstore, and its contributions to preserving Chinese culture. It also introduces the deeds of industry insiders who have made significant contributions to Beijing's old book trade. Readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of China Bookstore and the old book industry in Beijing from this book.
At the beginning of "My Life with China Bookstore," the book includes essays by two esteemed professors from Beijing Normal University, Qifu Qigong and Xujialu, discussing the anecdotes of old bookstores and their experiences of "hunting for books" in China Bookstore. The essays are warm and inspiring to read. The rest of the book records the 50-year development of China Bookstore through the author's personal experiences and observations. The book also highlights the commendable stories of China Bookstore's efforts to rescue rare ancient books.
The "My Life with China Bookstore" by the book industry pioneer Zhou Yan can be seen as the history of China's old book industry over the past half-century. It chronicles the professional dedication of book industry workers, from Sun Dianqi and Lei Mengshui to Zhang Wenlong and Guo Jisen, who silently contributed to the spread of traditional culture, earning deep respect.