A FORMER Essex University lecturer, now living in China, is appealing to County Standard readers for books written in English.
Dr Mark Felton, an author specialising in Second World War subjects, is keen to boost library stocks at Fudan University, Shanghai, where he now teaches.
Although he has asked for donations before, more are needed.
“The books that were donated by the good people of Essex have mostly arrived in Shanghai and are being catalogued by the library,” he said. “The rest I will arrange shipment for later this year, an expensive and laborious process, unfortunately.
“We are still desperate for books, however, and I have already started to broaden my appeal out to cover any book written in English on any subject, fiction or non-fiction.
“The university collection of books written in English is small and demand among students is high. All donated books will find a treasured place in many different campus libraries and collections within Fudan University.”
Although Dr Felton has already started collecting from the British business and diplomatic community in Shanghai, he hopes the county, and particularly his home town, Colchester, will respond.
“I am asking that people donate just a single book and that they post it directly to me in Shanghai,” he said.
“I'm only asking for one book, because postage can be a little expensive this far. Of course, if people want to send more, that is both welcomed and encouraged.”
Donors are asked to enclose a note stating their name or organisation, so university staff can label the book accordingly.
“The entire scheme has a number of pluses,” said Dr Felton. “Firstly, it will increase Chinese students' awareness and understanding of western culture, which, as China becomes more significant in the world, is important.
“Secondly, it is part of my wider scheme to interest Chinese students in studying at British universities, thereby increasing inter-cultural communication and also helping out the UK economy.“
Dr Felton is currently working on two new books: ‘Never Surrender’, telling how Allied servicemen escaped from Japanese prisoner of war camps, and ‘China Station’, an account of the British military in China and Hong Kong between 1840 and 1997.
• Books should be sent to: Dr Mark Felton, Room 1501, Building 7, Lane 1399, Ding Xiang Road, Shanghai 200135, People’s Republic of China.