It is my privilege and good fortune to have the friendship of Fang Yuan, whom I know by the English name of Frank. Fang Yuan never fails to provide an interesting perspective or to go out of his way to lend a helping hand. To date, we have collaborated on two English-language books, Small Windows and Touch the Body, Touch the Soul. Several years ago he asked me to edit his collection of folktales. He had already translated it into English when I came to it. The second book is a portrait of his early life and the chaotic time that shaped it. He had written down and organized his material for years, but it was still in the original Chinese. Every morning as we sat at his table, Frank would look down at his Chinese notes and begin dictating in English. He was patient and humorous as he explained the background of his experiences. After scribbling down more than 400 pages of notes, I began to type... These two books truly are a labor of love from Fang Yuan. Unfortunately they are currently not distributed outside of China. If you want to obtain a copy, please contact me by email. (Tim.L)

Small Windows Folktales of Old China A collection of 15 original Chinese folktales. These intriguing stories provide windows of understanding into the character and culture of the Chinese people. Click here for more info and an excerpt from Small Windows...

Touch the Body, Touch the Soul The Life of an Educated Youth during the Cultural Revolution This is the uniquely Chinese story of a boy growing up during the Cultural Revolution. It begins with his father's experiences during WWII and the Great Leap Forward. It progresses from the author's early memories of hunger to the disturbances of the Red Guards and a middle-school curriculum of hard labor. After graduation he was sent to work in the countryside for re-education, with no prospect of return. Like millions of others, he lost hope; he was one of the educated youth. After a few years the political winds changed; he was allowed to wash the mud from his bare feet and begin a new life. Click here for more info and an excerpt from Touch the Body, Touch the Soul... Last updated: August 29, 2004

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