‘Fair sex’ encyclopedia hits bookshop shelves

Almanach Nguoi Me va Phai Dep (Mothers and the Fair Sex Almanac), the first Vietnamese encyclopedia on women, will be hitting bookstores this Sunday.

A man reads the soon-to-be-released Mothers and the Fair Sex Almanac, in order to gain insight into the inscrutable female world. — VNS Photo Truong Vi

The 2610-page book has thousands of illustrations and is divided into nine sections.

The first part informs readers about the law and women, covering issues such as motherhood.

The second section is devoted to historically important women throughout the world.

The book then talks about national heroines and Vietnamese heroic mothers, followed by a section on female political figures – in Viet Nam and abroad.

Famous female socialists around the world, together with women who have made their names in science, education and commerce are also discussed.

The eighth chapter is about famous female literary figures, artists, musicians and actresses – as well as famous sportswomen.

The final chapter is given over to general information about women.

The book includes some 250 Vietnamese poems and nearly 200 Vietnamese songs dedicated to women and the contribution they have made to civilisation – both directly and as a source of inspiration to others.

"The book underscores the undeniable truth that women in general and Vietnamese women in particular have played a key role in the society. Apart from being a special dedication to women, it will equip readers with an invaluable insight into the female world," says Truong My Hoa, Viet Nam’s former vice-president.

The encyclopedia, which cost around VND1.8 billion (US$112,500) to produce, is the work of some 400 authors and scholars.

"The book gets its strange title, which includes both Vietnamese and international elements, mainly due to its content and targeted readers. It is less abstract and academic than normal encyclopedia or dictionary, therefore, it’s possible for people of secondary education to gain most of its content," says Nguyen Hoang Diep, a senior member of Almanach Nguoi Me va Phai Dep’s compiling committee.

Senior State officals will be attending the book’s formal launch at the Ha Noi Opera House on Sunday.

Almanach Nguoi Me va Phai Dep retails at VND720,000 ($45) and is published by the Culture and Information Publishing House.

Source: VNS