China is publishing a cultural encyclopedia that experts believe
will be an unprecedented summary of the country's historic works
since the founding of the New China.
The series, Zhong Hua Da Dian (The Great
Encyclopedia of China), had 49 volumes in print with more than
100 million words as of 2007.
The series is expected to cover more than 20,000 ancient books
and texts in various categories including history, literature,
philosophy, astronomy, medicine and others.
The period covered ranges from the Qin Dynasty (221 BC-206 BC)
to the Revolution of 1911, led by Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, which overthrew
the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Work on the series began in 1992 with a government allocation of
400 million yuan (US$55 million). The series is scheduled to be
finished by 2010 with more than 100 volumes and 800 million
words.
"The compiling and publishing of this encyclopedia is a
significant symbol of China's prosperity in economics and culture,"
said Wu Shangzhi, a senior official of the General Administration
of Press and Publication. Wu added that the series would be highly
useful in conveying Chinese ancient documents to academicians and
ordinary readers alike.
(Xinhua News Agency January 30, 2008)