A CityU book, Chinese Civilisation: A Source Book (second edition), has been selected as one of the Ten Recommended Books for this year. The annual event, co-organized by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, picks 10 quality books recommended by distinguished residents and celebrities. The CityU publication was chosen by Mr Vincent Cheng, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Hang Seng Bank.

The book is a concise and comprehensive summary of the cultural history and development of China , spanning a few thousand years. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the cultural legacy of China . I myself have benefited much from it," Mr Cheng said at the 2002 Ten Recommended Books opening ceremony on 8 February at the Hong Kong Central Library.

Chinese Civilisation: A Source Book, compiled by the Chinese Civilisation Centre (CCIV) and published by the City University of Hong Kong Press, was originally intended to be a guide book for students taking CityU's Chinese Civilization course. It has subsequently become a reference book for anyone interested in Chinese culture.

A collection of correspondence between CCIV visiting professor Liu Zai Fu and his daughter was also among the top ten. Professor Liu's book was chosen by the renowned writer, Mr Louis Cha.

Reading is the best way to benefit from the wisdom and experience of other people, said Mr Chu Pui-hing, Director of Broadcasting, at the ceremony. "Reading quality books recommended by successful people has a two-fold benefit. It is in this spirit that the event is organized every year."

The Chan's Great Continent, recommended by President H K Chang, was among the top picks last year.