I haven't bought a physical book in awhile (I mostly download epubs), came across this gem browsing a bookstore in Taipei 🤓

This is a special anniversary edition (published 2018) of "Taiwan's 400 year history" by the late Su Beng, this is the abridged English version, the Chinese version is quite a tome.

This book has an interesting history written by a true badass. It was first published in 1962 in Japanese, got banned (Taiwan was under martial law between 1947 to 1987), then published in Chinese in 1980 and circulated underground as a banned text.

The content takes a Taiwanese-centric view using a lot of primary but unreliable first hand accounts, and places harsh criticism over the Republic of China. I grew up around a dinner table that would talk about this book -- the lengths that people go through to spread knowledge continues to fascinate me

Su Beng was a Taiwanese Independence Activist, and he smuggled himself out of Taiwan in a banana boat after being found out to have been plotting the assassination of the dictator Chiang Kai Shek. He lived in exile before returning to Taiwan to see direct elections take place, the guy has had quite a life. Some Taiwanese are just built different.

Su Beng is a father of the Taiwan Independence movement. Su Beng (史明) Taiwan-centric view shaped many, including those of influence and power like former president Lee Teng Hui, Chen Shui Bian, Tsai Ing wen (acted as advisor to the president), and president-elect Lai Ching-Te.

The Taiwan-centric view (as opposed to the Republic of China 🇹🇼 view) is not common even amongst locals, and completely absent on the world stage.

I think it's a great book for those who like visiting Taiwan! Add some historical context to sightseeing 🥳