Since the middle of the 19th century, many foreigners have come and stayed in China. While elaborating their China experience into their personal lives, some have also written down what they heard and saw, recording the course of China's modern history from a unique international perspective.

These works were once published across the world, but most of them are now out of print.

Now, the cream of these historical works, biographies, diaries, and news reports, written in English between the 1860s and 1949, have been republished in China in a book series titled Light on China.

Published by the Foreign Language Press, the series includes a total of 53 books, half of which have been reprinted. The remainder will roll off the press next year.

The titles include Ti-Ping Tien-Kwoh: The History of the Ti-Ping Revolution by Augustus Frederick Lindley; The Unfinished Revolution in China by Israel Epstein; The Chinese Conquer China by Anna Louise Strong; and The Great Road: The Life and Times of Chu Teh by Agnes Smedley.

"Many foreign observers have traced and reported the real historical movement of modern China. Seeking understanding and friendship with the Chinese people, their insight and perspective were in basic harmony with the real developments in China," said Huang Hua, former vice-premier and foreign minister.

"This timely series should help build a bridge of friendship and understanding" between China and the world, Huang added.

(China Daily December 31, 2003)