China Through the Looking Glass: Nanjing, a cultural and historical guide by author Roy Kesey, was launched by Beijing Matric and Nanjing Tourist Bureau on Sunday in the Bookworm.

Roy Kesey, the author, and Chen Gang, the Vice Mayor of Nanjing, made presentations on the press conference.

This book provides an insightful look at the complex history of this former capital and will help visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the geographic and political factors that have shaped the city. It is the perfect travel companion for a visitor who seeks to uncover the intricacies of Nanjing's history. With its glossy illustrations it also makes a great read for the armchair traveler.

Author Roy Kesey spent considerable time in Nanjing in order to collect material and to interview many well-known local writers, historians, artists and expatriates. "Roy Kesey has studied literature, philosophy and art. He has traveled extensively and done a great deal of research, and now has described a Chinese city with a very long history -- an undertaking of great significance. He has chosen to write about Nanjing and Nanjing has chosen him to do the writing; no doubt both have chosen wisely," said Chen Gang, Deputy Mayor of the Nanjing People's Government.

Further Information about the book and Beijing Matric

China through the Looking Glass is a unique series of travel guides that brings thoughtful analysis and fresh perspectives to favourite Chinese destinations. Produced by Beijing Matric Culture Communication Co. Ltd, each volume represents a closer look at China through the eyes of professional foreign writers-in-residence whose proven track record and genuine enthusiasm for the country make for detailed and lively portraits of China's thriving cities.  The series invites accomplished authors to uncover each location and arranges for an open-arms research policy with dedicated support at the government level, allowing respected authors in the series to go deeper and take greater advantage of informed local knowledge than most foreign-language China guides are able to do.

Beijing Matric upholds a philosophy of bringing writers closer to China and bringing China closer to writers. Dedicated to providing a platform for talented foreign authors in China, Beijing Matric is regularly expanding its destinations list and providing new opportunities for expatriate authors, as well as organising regular writers' events to encourage new, in-depth writing on Chinese travel themes.

Comments from Media

 "For any traveler, student, teacher, or resident in Nanjing, Roy Kesey's book is an invaluable guide to what could otherwise be an overwhelming amount of sites to see. He gives unbiased information, logically presented in a compact and readable format, allowing readers to gain a firm grasp on the history and culture of one of the world's great historic capitals without being bombarded by facts. Recommended as required reading for before, during, and after a visit to any of Nanjing's sites."

--Julie Sisk, editor, MAP Magazine

"In this well-informed and beautifully observed book, Nanjing at last has a guide worthy of its rich history and contemporary vibrancy. An elegant, engaging writer, Roy Kesey is the ideal guide to the mighty city on the Yangtze. His book avoids potted recitation of facts in favor of compelling historical anecdotes, scholarly quotes, and profiles of historical figures that breathe life into Nanjing's many tourist sites and inform its unique modern character. Leavened with humor and telling details, this book should inspire many visits to Nanjing."

-- Adam Pillsbury, Editor of The Insider's Guide to Beijing and Beijing Excursion Guide

"I can't imagine anyone better suited than Roy Kesey to present Nanjing to the world. Focusing on the city's long history and vibrant cultural scene, and possessed of the 'magic talent of releasing flowers from his pen,' Kesey portrays the city vividly. As he notes, the mythological animal known as the bixie, with its head raised proudly to heaven, is the key to understanding the past and present of Nanjing. Both visitors and armchair travelers will find this book a joy to read."

-- Zhang Lijia, Author of Frog in a Well and co-author of China Remembers

"Nanjing was the first city in China that I ever visited and it left a deep impression on me. This book captures many of the first and subsequent impressions that I gained of this great city of Nanjing, the Southern Capital of China on the mighty Yangtze River. It is great to see the City of Universal Love or Bo Ai from a Westerner's viewpoint. The author has done a fabulous job of researching the city's history, culture and attractions. It's a feast of information on one of China's greatest tourist cities."

-- Professor Alastair Morrison, Distinguished Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA and author of Hospitality and Travel Marketing, The Tourism System, and Tourism: Bridges across Continents.

(China.org.cn April 17, 2007)