LOONG'S TALES, edited by Lynn Sunn

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Look what came in the mail! A beautifully designed and made (my photo does not do it justice) copy of Loong's Tales, edited by Lynn Sun, from the Eastern Wood publishing house in Singapore. This is the English translation of an original anthology of dragon-themed science fiction stories recently published in Chinese.

There are many different dragons in Chinese mythology, the greatest and most benevolent of which is the loong. As a note in the book says:

This is a book about the Chinese dragon. Unlike dragons in Western mythology, the loong is partnered with auspicious clouds. A symbol of fortune, wisdom, and prosperity. It is a pillar of strength in the heart of the Chinese people.

I received this copy because I had the honor of writing an introduction to the book. I wrote it in part because Ms. Sun, whom I know and respect, asked me to. And in part because I like and admire the Chinese people as a whole. But mostly because I believe the Chinese science fiction community is a force for good, and that works such as this one help to, in Lynn Sun's words, build bridges between China and the world.

The stories herein are:

Regarding Why Humans Have to Seek Dragons by Baoshu (translated by Heather Wang)

Becoming a Dragon by Wang Xiaohai (translated by Wang Xin)

Are You Aware of the Dragon's Transformations? by Zhan Baitang (translated by Deng Weitian)

The Last Speech by He Jianhong (translated by Lina Shiting Lu)

Report on the Origin and Utilization of the Loong Meme by Xinfeng Xike (translated by Xueting C. Ni)

You can find Eastern Wood's website here.

And since I know you're curious . . .

Here's a statement of purpose for Eastern Wood I found online:

Our co-founders, Hans [Lee] and Lynn [Sun], are science fiction enthusiasts and are fluent in both Chinese and English. Well-versed in the Chinese sci-fi genre space, they found it meaningful to create a platform for Chinese sci-fi writers to publish their stories and reach an international audience.

As a Singaporean brand under Potato Productions, we have greater freedom and objectivity in assessing the works we receive, allowing us to bring the best of Chinese sci-fi to readers. In bridging Chinese sci-fi with the English-speaking market, we hope to showcase authentic glimpses into Chinese culture as well as the modern technological advancements of the East.

I am old enough to remember when Nixon first went to China and it first became possible for an American to see how people lived there. And I am young enough to look forward, with hope and optimism, to the major changes still happening in that once ancient and now modern land.

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