China conferred its highest literary award on an American who has spent lots of effort in promoting Chinese culture and civilization through the publication of a book series.

Joseph Verner Reed, the longest serving UN under-secretary general and special adviser to the UN secretary-general, was awarded the Special Book Awards of China for his efforts in coordinating the cooperative publishing of the Culture and Civilization of China book series.

This award was established in 2005 by the General Administration of Press and Publication in China. It is given to foreign writers, translators and publishers that have achieved great results in the fields of translation and publication of Chinese books and cultural exchange. So far, 33 people in total have received the award.

The book series was initiated in the 1990s jointly by China International Publishing Group (CIPG) and Yale University Press, the largest effort of its kind between China and the U.S. to-date. Nine books under the series have been published, including "Three Thousand Years of Chinese Painting", "Chinese Architecture, Key Concepts in Chinese Philosophy", "Balanced Discourses", "The Formation of Chinese Civilization: an Archaeological Perspective", and four others, which have gained a favorable reception among international audiences.

Ambassador Reed, the Project coordinator on the U.S side, said he was delighted to have been conferred with such a great honor.

"Thanks to Huang Youyi and to John Ryden and John Donatich of the Yale University Press, the cooperation between CIPG and Yale University Press has been classic. I have to salute CIPG for their leadership and their cooperation and of course I do the same to the Yale University Press and Yale University. It was a wonderful cooperation project."

He stressed that the project has been far more influential than original expectations. "I think this is a platform for both countries to look for further cultural exchange, for promoting peace and harmony, and relationship, understanding between the two countries. Certainly, this series will benefit generations in understanding Chinese civilization and culture." He quoted Henry Kissinger as saying this project was "seminal."

Ambassador Reed said the book series has a broad readership around the world. Many national libraries have ordered the book from the Yale University Press.

"We received request from literarily over 100 countries for copies of our various publications for their national libraries." he said.

Reed said the Yale University Press is in discussion with CIPG about further cooperation in many areas.

"CIPG is sending a delegation to New Haven on Sept. 19th where President Levin (of Yale University) will be greeting the delegation and host luncheon at the president's house. In honor of the CIPG delegation we hope to have Secretary Kissinger to participate," he said.

Reed said he has been "dazzled" by the great changes happening in China since his first visit in 1973 as part of the first American delegation after U.S. President Nixon's historic visit in 1972.

"Everything I could see in Beijing was bicycles," Reed said of the first trip. "Today I see the transformation of the People's Republic of China into a giant success story with increased opportunity for further success. It's just a dazzling experience to witness the progress the country has made in such a short period of time."

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)