Topping the best-sellers list for the past week in Beijing is Commentary on the Three Kingdoms, by Yi Zhongtian, a professor from Xiamen University in East China's Fujian Province.

Since its release early last month, this book has reportedly been sold more than 700,000 copies nationwide, thanks to the success of Yi's previous historical series on the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and his growing popularity as a "scholar for the man-in-the-street."

Unlike orthodox accounts of history in which historical figures can appear remote and dull, Yi's engaging narrative and sharp interpretation adds a personal and anecdotal touch.

His simple language and humor is also listed as a major attraction for readers.

"I am quite interested in studying ancient Chinese history, but the history books we learn at school are formidably dull and sometimes sermonic," said Liu Ying, a 19-year-old student clutching a copy of the book in Beijing Xidan Book Building.

"But the minute I saw professor Yi's version, I knew it was the right one for me."

Though some critics have questioned the legitimacy of his personal interpretation, the book's popularity with the public attests to Yi's assertion that he just wants to "make history accessible to common folk in an interesting way."

Yi is not new to the public. He came under the spotlight last year on CCTV's "Lecture Room," a programme where scholars are invited to give lectures on historical works. He immediately proved a hit with viewers for his simple language and wit.

From pauper to prince

Coming hard on the heels of the Three Kingdoms in the popularity stakes is Confession, a biography of Chinese philanthropist Li Chunping, who claims he inherited a fortune from a Hollywood actress.

Li's life was largely obscure and impoverished in its early years when he was a worker in a film studio.

At 28, he even stayed in a labour camp for three years for bullying another young man out of jealousy.

Life seemed dismal for Li until a Hollywood actress, 38 years his senior, reportedly fell in love with him when she visited Beijing.

She brought Li to the United States, where he lived and looked after her until she died.

He then returned to China and used the money from his inheritance to help the poor, thus becoming one of the top Chinese philanthropists.

Yet, out of respect for her, as Li repeatedly claims, he has always refused to reveal her identity.

Doubt and curiosity over the story's authenticity has sparked a debate among the public, which has contributed significantly to its sales volume.

Li, however, claims that he has no intention to deceive people.

The popularity of this book has even aroused the interest of film-makers.

Gao Xixi, director of the film New Shanghai Bund (Xin Shanghai Tan), has openly expressed his interest in shooting a biographical movie about Li's experience.

(China Daily August 4, 2006)