The Fascinating Hong Kong Collection: Dive into the Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Studies Series

Hong Kong is a city of endless stories, cultural nuances, and historical significance. Its rich heritage and unique position as a global financial hub have piqued the curiosity of scholars, researchers, and history enthusiasts from around the world. To delve deeper into the multifaceted tapestry that is Hong Kong, the Royal Asiatic Society has compiled an extraordinary collection known as the Hong Kong Studies Series.

The Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) is a prestigious academic organization established in 1847, dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge about Asia and its diverse cultures. The society's Hong Kong Studies Series is a testament to their commitment to preserving and promoting the region's history, culture, and society. It is a treasure trove of information, spanning various disciplines, offering comprehensive insights into Hong Kong's past, present, and future.

Unveiling the Hong Kong Studies Series

The Hong Kong Studies Series is a unique collection of books, monographs, and scholarly works that cover a wide range of topics related to Hong Kong. From history, politics, and economics to art, literature, and social issues, this collection encompasses studies that shed light on every aspect of this vibrant city.

Ancestral Images: A Hong Kong Collection (Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Studies Series)

by Christopher Ball(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5475 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	473 pages

FREE

One of the distinguishing features of this collection is its multidisciplinary approach. The various volumes within the series are authored by renowned experts, academics, and researchers from diverse fields, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic understanding of Hong Kong's past and present. This interdisciplinary perspective adds depth and richness to the collection, making it an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to explore the intricacies of Hong Kong.

Exploring the Chapters

The Hong Kong Studies Series consists of several volumes, each dedicated to a specific theme or aspect of the city. Let's take a closer look at some of the notable chapters within this impressive collection:

1. "Hong Kong's Colonial Story"

This volume presents an in-depth analysis of Hong Kong's journey from a British colony to the iconic global city it is today. It explores the intricacies of the colonial period, the impact of Western influence, and the interactions between the local population and the colonial administration. Through extensive research and compelling narratives, this chapter provides a comprehensive account of Hong Kong's colonial history, shedding light on its lasting legacy.

2. "Urban Development and Architecture in Hong Kong"

This chapter delves into the captivating world of Hong Kong's urban development and architectural landscape. It examines the city's unique blend of heritage sites, modern skyscrapers, and urban planning initiatives. From the historic Victoria Harbour to the iconic Star Ferry, this volume unravels the stories behind Hong Kong's architectural marvels, highlighting the city's evolution and its significance in global urban development.

3. "Cultural Identity in Hong Kong Literature"

Literature has always played a vital role in shaping cultural identity, and this chapter explores the works of Hong Kong authors, both past and present. From exploring themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery to delving into the city's unique linguistic blend, this volume provides a captivating journey through Hong Kong's literary landscape. Experience the power of storytelling and the profound impact it has on defining a city's essence.

The Significance of the Hong Kong Studies Series

The Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Studies Series holds immense importance for Hong Kong and the world at large. Not only does it offer a comprehensive and detailed understanding of Hong Kong's past and present, but it also serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and enthusiasts who seek to unravel the complexities of this vibrant city.

Furthermore, this collection transcends geographical boundaries and plays a crucial role in preserving Hong Kong's history and culture for future generations. As Hong Kong continues to evolve, these works provide a reference point, allowing individuals to reflect on the city's journey and contextualize current issues within a broader framework.

The Hong Kong Studies Series curated by the Royal Asiatic Society is a remarkable collection that deepens our understanding of this global metropolis. Through its multidisciplinary approach, encompassing history, politics, architecture, literature, and more, it offers a comprehensive exploration of every facet of Hong Kong. Whether you are an academic seeking to broaden your knowledge or a passionate explorer of cultures and societies, the Hong Kong Studies Series is an invaluable resource that will transport you into the heart of this captivating city.

Ancestral Images: A Hong Kong Collection (Royal Asiatic Society Hong Kong Studies Series)

by Christopher Ball(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5475 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	473 pages

FREE

This new revised edition collects in one place the articles from the three volumes of Hugh Baker’s Ancestral Images originally published in 1979, 1980 and 1981. The 120 articles and photographs explore everyday life, customs and rituals in Hong Kong’s rural New Territories. They investigate religion, food, language, history, festivals, family, strange happenings and clan warfare. The book documents much that can no longer be found. But it also provides an understanding of a world which has not yet entirely disappeared, and which still forms the background of life in modern urban Hong Kong and its neighbouring cities. Esoteric nuggets of information are scattered through the book: How do you ascend a pagoda with no staircase? How can you marry without attending the wedding? When is it wrong to buy a book?

Hugh Baker answers these and many other questions in this well-rounded picture of a vibrant, quirky people painted with affection and informed by many years of scholarship and research.

Hugh Baker is Emeritus Professor of Chinese at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. He has published books on Chinese kinship, Hong Kong history and culture, the overseas Chinese, and the Cantonese and Mandarin languages. His published articles cover a wide range of Chinese cultural topics including food, symbolism, death, xenophobia, clan, marriage, slang, minorities, fung shui, migration, and religion. He was chief editorial consultant to the twelve-part television series The Heart of the Dragon, and his much-repeated Baker’s Dozen on Radio Television Hong Kong ran to four series each of thirteen talks. He served as Chinese language training adviser to the Hong Kong Government 1973–75, and frequently writes opinions and gives evidence in court on Chinese customary law.

“Professor Baker makes it possible to recognise what still remains of the architecture, agriculture and traditional dress of this historic area and also to understand something of the unique way of life followed here for a thousand years that is now steadily giving way to urbanisation and uniformity.” —From the Foreword by Lady Youde

“[F]ar and away the best and most enlightening to the customs and history of the New Territories” —James Hayes, author of The Great Difference: Hong Kong’s New Territories and Its People 1898–2004, in the Journal of the Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society

“Hugh Baker’s three volumes of Ancestral Images are classics. There is nothing comparable now or when the volumes were first published.” —James L. Watson, Fairbank Professor of Chinese Society and Professor of Anthropology, Harvard University

“The text is lively and self-deprecating, and although journalistic in tone, it is informed by both first-hand experience and fluency with relevant secondary scholarship of the time . . . . It serves as an enjoyable and idiosyncratic collection of snapshots of Hong Kong life in the 1960s and 1970s.” —Brian J. Nichols, Religious Studies Review