Black and White Way - Interviews with Famous Go Players

Author: Hu Tingmei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Way of Black and White was fortunate to be published during the time when the concept of Go was taking shape in China. The representative figures of the Three Kingdoms era featured in this book are almost the most authoritative voices of that time. Even a decade later, it would be nearly impossible to observe and experience the same topic about Go comprehensively beyond such a group. The experiences of this generation with Go, intertwined with life and death, cannot be repeated. The author, Hu Tingmei, views Go as a window for studying society. In his commentary on famous players, he pays close attention to using a macro-cultural perspective to study them, extracting thought-provoking insights. For example, in his commentary on Wu Qingyuan, he focuses on researching how Mr. Wu developed his balanced view of Go; in his commentary on Chang Hao, he explores what kind of genius a player needs; and when writing about Masaki Takemiya, he reflects on the creativity of players and how Go constrains them. The author places Go within the broader context of social history and national culture, allowing readers to understand and recognize Go with a broader perspective and higher level of insight. He not only interviews many representative players and Go professionals but also some scholars and experts who are not from the Go world but are deeply passionate about it. Since these are interviews, with open and free discussions, especially with the unrestrained views of those outside the circle, this "self-narration" can better engage readers and inspire their thoughts.