On the land of China

Riding the Iron Rooster: By Train Through China

A classic by Paul Theroux, the "Godfather of Modern Travel Literature," and winner of the Thomas Cook Travel Prize. A fresh account of the legendary 1980s from a foreigner's perspective.
In 1986, Paul Theroux came to China again after six years.
He traveled to bustling cities like Beijing and Shanghai, as well as to remote border towns like Langxiang in Heilongjiang and Turpan in Xinjiang. He traversed China, chatting with a wide variety of people: young people practicing their spoken English at the English corner in Shanghai People's Park, students aiming to enter the import and export business, and intellectuals who had just experienced a catastrophe. With sharp humor and a constant stream of sarcasm, he also employed a calm and rational perspective to analyze the Chinese character, uncovering the shifting dynamics of daily life and thought in the changing times.
Since the 1980s, we have experienced tremendous changes, but our current swings and difficulties seem familiar.
Editor's recommendation★ A classic work by Paul Theroux, the "Godfather of Modern Travel Literature", and winner of the Thomas Cook Travel Literature Award★ A pioneer who influenced a generation of travel writers such as Hessler, and a foreigner's description of contemporary China before "River City"★ 22 train routes spanning the east, west, south, and north, a year-long in-depth journey, observing the thousands of landscapes on the land of China★ The legendary 1980s, capturing the development trajectory of the times in the lives of ordinary Chinese people★ Calm analysis, also harsh complaints, follow the sharp and humorous poisonous tongue writer to discover the collective character of the Chinese people and the changes of the times Award record
1989 Thomas Cook Travel Literature Award Recommendation: He is a great journalist who always asks the questions on your mind... He has the talent of an artist and can turn the ordinary into the magical.
—The Independent
On China's Ground chronicles Paul Theroux's year-long travels in China, where he unleashes his sharp tongue... Driven by intense curiosity, he constantly strikes up conversations with strangers, such as the melancholic Mr. Fang and mountaineer Chris Bonington. But most importantly, the book also allows us to get to know the author better—if you want to travel the world without leaving your home, he's the ideal travel companion.
—The Sunday Times
This is not a travelogue, but rather an in-depth, meticulous observation and record of the dramatic changes in China during the mid-1980s. The author can be considered a forerunner and mentor of Hessler. His journeys spanning east, west, south, and north, his unique perspective, and his sober analysis surpass those of most Chinese authors to date.
——Douban netizen

2020-12-01

九州出版社

Houlang, Houlang Literature

488

9787510892790