English Edition of Gao Zhisheng’s Book Announced One Month After Disappearance
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Broad Press USA announced this week the release in English of “A China More Just” (ISBN: 1-932674-36-5), an autobiographical account by Chinese lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Gao Zhisheng. The announcement comes one month after Gao was abducted by the Chinese authorities.
Part memoir, part social commentary, part call to action, A China More Just is a penetrating account of contemporary China through the life of one attorney. As the world debates the legacy of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, this book provides a voice-with raw, touching, and witty style-to millions in China rarely heard from in the West. Its selection of writings takes readers from a village in rural China to urban courtrooms, mountainside torture chambers, and the halls of a reluctant government.
“My words in this book are portraying the real China and the truth about China,” said Gao, a Christian, in an interview upon the release of the book’s Chinese edition in 2006. “It is my hope that those who read my essays and those who know the hardship that surrounds my family and me will not view it as hardship that merely a few individuals are facing. It is actually a window through which one can see the lasting pain of a nation.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born and raised in a cave with only the stars to tell time, Gao Zhisheng rose from poverty to become China’s most important lawyer. He has courageously sought justice for vulnerable groups such as the poor, the disabled, and the persecuted (including Christians, Falun Gong adherents and fellow activists). Yet Gao’s fortitude has drawn the ire of the Chinese Communist Party.
Since 2005, physical threat and police surveillance have been a constant reality for Gao and his family, culminating in his recent abduction. Undeterred, he has responded in the nonviolent tradition of Gandhi by launching nationwide hunger strikes to call for justice and human rights. His undaunted resolve and generous spirit have won the hearts of millions and earned him international recognition and awards.
Gao, currently the subject of an Amnesty International urgent action, remains missing and is thus unavailable for interviews. Instead, the transcript of the above-mentioned phone interview is available upon request as are members of the editorial team.
“Gao was set to join China’s political and social elite. But instead of power and prestige, Gao opted to become a human rights lawyer in a nation where respect for human rights and political freedoms are not part of the government’s lexicon,” said Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“An impressive and important story. A sobering reminder of the dark underbelly of modern China that we all too frequently forget,” said Dr. Kerry Brown, Asia Program Fellow, Chatham House, London.
“Gao Zhisheng is a man who represents China’s Rights Defense movement. Their work has brought hope to distressed and poverty-stricken people in China. Reading this collection helps to better understand him and the cause of rights defenders,” said Wei Jingsheng, prominent democracy activist who served 18 years in Chinese prisons.
ABOUT BROAD PRESS:
Broad Press is a small, independent Chinese publishing house established in 2003 in California. We seek to present readers with publications that broaden their horizons, particularly regarding Chinese culture and society. In recent years, we have grown into a primary outlet for Chinese authors wishing to publish works on human rights, democracy and traditional culture. We are especially committed to bringing forth books like this one whose publication is banned in China.
Preface, selected excerpts and additional information about the author: http://www.broadpressusa.com.
BOOK SUMMARY:
Title: A China More Just
Author: Gao Zhisheng
Publisher: Broad Press USA (www.broadpressusa.com)
ISBN: 1-932674-36-5
8.2 X 5.8-inches, paperback, 255 pp., $14.95
Fall Release, 2007
“A China More Just” is available now at: https://broadbook.com/english
The book is available to retail outlets through Baker & Taylor, 1-800-775-1800, btinfo@btol.com.
