Black and White Ways (Interviews with Go Masters)

Author: Hu Tingmei (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Way of Black and White was fortunate to be published during the formative period of the concept of Go 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 to study society. In his critiques of famous players, he pays close attention to using a macro-cultural perspective to analyze the players, extracting thought-provoking insights. For example, in his commentary on Wu Qingyuan, he focuses on how the master’s balanced view of Go came to be; in his discussion of Chang Hao, he explores what constitutes a player’s genius; and when writing about Masaki Takemiya, he reflects on the creativity of players and the constraints Go imposes on them. The author places Go within the broader context of social history and national culture, enabling readers to understand and recognize Go with a broader perspective and higher level of insight. This also allows Go enthusiasts to connect themselves on the go board with their everyday selves. He not only interviews many representative players and Go professionals but also scholars and experts outside the Go world who are deeply passionate about it. Since the interviews are open and candid, especially with the unbound free talk of those outside the circle, this "self-narration"，.