Ferdinand Avguštin Hallerstein: Slovenec v Prepovedanem mestu
(Ferdinand Avguštin Hallerstein: A Slovenian in the Forbidden City) Book not yet available in English
Summary:
This picture book tells the story of the legendary Slovene scholar Hallerstein, also known as Liu Songling, who was born in 1703 to an aristocratic family in Slovenia. In 1736, as a young scientist and Jesuit with a good knowledge of mathematics and astronomy, he arrived in China. The young Chinese Emperor Qianlong invited Hallerstein to his court, where he became the head of a team of astronomers. The book is written in Slovenian and Chinese. (source: publisher)
Edited by: Mestna knjižnica Ljubljana
Comment:
This original picture book by a Chinese illustrator is exceptional in many respects. It introduces the life and work of an extraordinary, though sadly little-known, 18th-century Slovene who travelled to China as a Jesuit missionary and collaborated with Chinese scholars in astronomy in Beijing. At the same time, it offers a vivid glimpse into life in China during that period. The exquisite illustrations draw on traditional Chinese painting techniques and incorporate elements of calligraphy. The text is presented bilingually, in Slovenian and Chinese, and is accompanied by a glossary of selected Chinese terms written in three scripts: Chinese characters, pinyin transcription, and Slovenian translation. A map tracing Hallerstein’s journey to China helps readers visualize his travels. Much like Hallerstein’s work once bridged two cultures and branches of science, artist Wang now unites two cultures and artistic traditions through her illustrations. Her picture book is a genuine contemporary intercultural gem and a noteworthy contribution to Slovenian national identity. As a whole, it presents a seamless fusion of all its elements, with refined literary and visual expression that both enlightens readers of all ages and delights them visually. The book has received the Kristina Brenkova Award for Best Original Slovene Picture Book and the Golden Pear Award for Best Original Slovenian Youth Non-Fiction.