BOOK LAUNCH: PETER HIBBARD MBE PEACE AT THE CATHAY

Waking into the Peace Hotel on his first visit to Shanghai in February 1986 was an act that changed the course of Peter Hibbard’s life. He was confounded by the building and those of its neighbours along the Bund and left determined to find out more. A major breakthrough came in 1988 whilst he was working in Beijing when the forbidden doors to the historic foreign language collection at the National Library of China were thrown open to him allowing the completion of a first draft of the book in 1991. Twenty-two years on, and on the eve of his departure from China, his distant ambition has been realised with the publication of Peace at the Cathay.

Hibbard’s enchantment with the former Cathay Hotel never faded over the years and he was the official historian for architect’s Hirsch Bedner Associates during the recent renovation. He considers himself very fortunate in chronicling what he believes was the finest, most visionary, hotel of its time and of having made many friends along the journey - among them Sir Victor Sassoon’s closest surviving relatives and descendants of George Leopold Wilson, the Far East’s greatest and unsung British architect of his era.

Earnshaw Books’ hardback limited edition of this highly informative and illustrated book will be on sale at a special price of RMB350 for RAS members and RMB 380 for guests. Pre-order with RSVP to make sure you reserve a copy. Peter will be delighted to sign copies of the book.

RSVP: to RAS Bookings at: bookings@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn

AND… also let us know if you would like to reserve a copy of the book

Cash Sale and Collection to be made at the Book Launch.

ENTRANCE:   RAS Members  80 rmb   -   Non Members  130 rmb   

This will include one selected drink (wine/beer/soft drink).   

Further drinks can be purchased and guests are invited to stay on at the CINCIN BAR after the event and enjoy a 20% discount on selected drinks and beverages.

RAS MEMBERSHIP applications and membership renewals will be available at this event.

RAS MONOGRAPHS -  will be available for sale at this event. 100 rmb each (cash sale only)

WEBSITE:  www.royalasiaticsociety.org.cn