China to Publish 90,000 Titles, Eclipsing Foreign Giants

China's surge in publishing is unlikely to be derailed by its crackdown on pornographic and violent publications, with a predicted 90,000 titles to be released this year. The drive to meet the expectations of China's get-rich-quick generation has led to a proliferation of books on economic subjects, with renowned scholars sharing their views on market economies and trading techniques. Meanwhile, interest in scientific and technological books is also on the rise as China modernizes.

Key Takeaways:

• China aims to publish 90,000 titles this year, surpassing foreign publication giants.
• The first 74-volume encyclopedia and a 60-volume 'China's Complete Fine Arts' are among the hot-selling prospects.
• Books on economic subjects, including market economies and trading techniques, are in high demand among China's get-rich-quick generation.
• Scientific and technological books are also sought after as China modernizes, with topics ranging from computer science to advanced hog farming methods.
• Literary works, including masterpieces from China and abroad, have staged a comeback, with pulp fiction and racy novels being phased out.
• China has closed down dozens of newspapers, magazines, and publishing houses to rid the country of excessively low-taste publications.
• Beijing has cracked down on copyright violators, initially focusing on compact and laser discs before expanding to include books and publications.
• China is conducting an experiment in publishing books with foreign capital.
• Special funds have been allocated to assure the publication of academic works, which often have low readership.
• China has about 540 publishing houses, employing 45,000 workers, with private publishing firms being banned.

Statistics:

• 90,000: Number of titles China aims to publish this year.
• 74: Number of volumes in the country's first encyclopedia.
• 60: Number of volumes in 'China's Complete Fine Arts'.
• 45,000: Number of workers employed by China's publishing houses.
• 540: Number of publishing houses in China.
• Thousands/Millions: Number of copies expected to be sold for each type of book.

Sources:

• [Beijing Xinhua News Agency - September 17]