English book on royal Hue and Nguyen dynasty's heritage makes debut

An English book entitled ‘Royal Hue, Heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam’ by Vietnamese-British historian Doctor Vu Hong Lien has been published under Thailand’s River Books Ltd.

The book’s cover

A ceremony to introduce the book was held in Hue city by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre (HMCC) and the River Books company.

The nine-chapter book traces the development of Vietnam’s magnificent imperial capital from its beginnings in the 14th century until being declared an UNESCO world heritage site in 1993.

The book also documents the 143 years of Nguyen dynasty’s rule, until in 1945 the last emperor Bao Dai abdicated and handed over his Royal Seal and Sword of Mandate to representatives of the newly-formed revolutionary government of President Ho Chi Minh.

In addition, it provides readers with information on the lifestyles of royal members, royal cuisine and costumes as well games played by Kings and royal members.

The book is the result of four years of research and study as well as field trips of the author to Hue from 2009 to 2012.

The publication is illustrated by more than 550 evocative photos from Thai artist Paisarn Piemmettawat.

Speaking at the ceremony, HMCC Director and Doctor Phan Thanh Hai considered ‘Royal Hue, Heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam’ as the the most comprehensive overview of the beautiful Hue imperial city to be published abroad.

The book invites readers on an exciting tour exploring Hue culture under the Nguyen dynasty, he noted.

(Source: VNA/ Translated by Nhan Dan Online)