2008 Mar 14 Dreaming in Mongolian – Interview with John Man
John Man , bestselling author of books on Genghis Khan, Kublai Khan and Attila the Hun will appear at the Bookworm tonight. James Kynge, who'll be moderating tonight's session, says of Man: "He is a rare breed - a historian who interweaves history with snatches of relevant travel writing." For a more detailed introduction to Man, you can take a look at this profile over at the Random House site. Former that's Beijing staff writer (she now works for the Guardian newspaper) Alice Xin Liu asked John Man some questions earlier this week about his writing and what he thought about the changes currently convulsing China:
tbjblog: What is the biggest surprise that you have had in your writings on China?
John Man: The shock and pleasure of discovering Chinese script. It is like standing at the borders of a new country, with glimpses of landscapes which could me mine, if only I knew how to get there. One day, I promise myself, I will devote myself to calligraphy.
tbjblog: What do you personally fear the most in this climate of opening up and reform in China?
John Man: Personally, nothing. I am in the happy position of being an outsider, able to observe with fascination, but without suffering.
tbjblog: Have you ever gotten stuck whilst trying to continue or finish with a book? Why was this, and can you give an example?
John Man: Years ago, I was writing on the evolution of written communication. I did two books, "Alpha Beta" on the history of the alphabet, and "The Gutenberg Revolution" on the invention of printing with moveable type. There was going to be a third book on the invention of writing. But the main evidence for the earliest writing system is in Iraq. I like gathering personal experiences, but prefer to survive them.
tbjblog: When you were young, what did you dream about (free for you to interpret in any way you wish!)
John Man: At 12, I became obsessed with the stars and planets. But it never occurred to me to study science, and no one guided. How different life might have been with a word of advice!
tbjblog: What do you plan to speak about at this month's Bookworm International Literary Festival?
John Man: My current interest: Mongolia, and the changing relationship between the nomadic cultures north of the Gobi and the settled cultures (mainly Han) to the south.
tbjblog: What books do you think you/others should be writing at a time when China is heading towards increased economic expansion and global status? Where do you see yourself in this culture?
John Man: These changes open more infinities of fact and fiction. Writers will explore them, ad infinitum. We are all part of the process by which humans seek understanding. I am lucky enough to be an atom in this expanding universe.
Mar 14
Dreaming in Mongolian: John Man
For more information about the literary festival see the official festival site. RMB 50.
7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)
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