Pull Up a Deckchair for a Hot Read...

Here it is, China's hottest new summer book.

The Selected Works of Jiang Zemin. It may not have the kind of cover that would be likely to lure buyers in their droves, but it does have the merit of following in the tradition -- at least in colour and calligraphy -- of the works of Chairman Mao.

China's former president, Mr Jiang turns 80 next week. He may be gone but is clearly not eager to be forgotten. This is his second book to be published within days. The first was an account of his foreign policy achievements.

Chinese in need of summer reading, or a timely review of the importance of Marxism, were queuing up for the book when it went on sale nationwide today. State agency Xinhua had plenty of coverage of the event, as did the party mouthpiece, the People's Daily.

  Here's the frontpage today.

In Lhasa, at the main state-run Xinhua bookshop, girls in Tibetan dress were behind the counter serving eager bookworms. Mr Jiang's books advocating the need for economic reform and outlining his theory of the "Three Represents" -- party code that he invented to anoint private enterprise under communist rule -- will be on sale beside a corner of the store devoted to mementos and memorabilia of Chairman Mao. I wonder what he would think of his new neighbour in the Lhasa store?

Elsewhere, enthusiasm was high.

Smiles enough to bring to mind those happy faces from the Cultural Revolution propaganda posters that somehow had the air of being posed. This gentleman will have plenty to keep him quiet in his deckchair at the seaside this August.

As will this one.

Such publications are rare. Only Chairman Mao and the late architect of China's current economic might, Deng Xiaoping, have been so honoured before. What is the political significance. It's a cliche, but time will tell. How long will the book occupy a prominent spot on store shelves before disappearing to gather dust in a warehouse?

There's been plenty of publicity but no word, at least that I can find on the print run. Will it be a bestseller? This is of concern to a Chinese friend of mine who worries about the preservation of the environment. His first response: "What a waste of paper."

And if you want to know the current bestseller in China, here's a link.

Comments

[mary chang]

Ah So. Peoples' Daily is "mouthpiece of the Party". And whose mouthpiece are YOU?! Regardless of THAT, however, put this in your pipe & inhale deeply: MAY GOD BLESS THE CPC & Chairman Mao et.al: Cleaned China of: Opium pushers, two-bit financial adventurers & of course Jap murderers. But it does seem (doesn't it?) that progeny of above (pushers, adventurers) have not yet learnt to stay away from where they are not welcome?!

[Adam Zhou]

Mary, quite contrary, what has God to do with the CPC and Mao? And all the vices which you decry have returned with a vengeance, under the very nose of the CPC and the Public Security Bureau. Face it, many "pushers" and "adventurers" are CHINESE! Just hop over to Shenzhen, you can't miss them!

[Bob Huang]

Plus me.
Three Represents

[Pamela]

Hi Jane. I have enjoyed your aticles from China, and found them relatively balanced compared to the usual BritPress.
But this blog has an unmistakeable "expat-lets-all-laugh-at-China" tone which is unappealing.
Jiang Zemin's book is an example.
I suggest you read what Lee Kuanyew (a shrewd judge of character) has to say about Jiang (pages 703-712 of his autobiography).
Jiang is a complex man who reached the top of the tree - he deserves serious consideration, not just bufoonery.
Or perhaps you agree with the Prince of Wales that Jiang is just a "terrible old communist waxwork" - particularly rich coming from him.