Bill Porter Boeken

The atlas of renowned geographer Chang Ch'i-yun piqued Bill Porter's interest in Yun-nan, a southwestern province of China known as "South of the Clouds." This region, the last to be integrated into modern China, has a rich history as a trade hub, originally conquered by the Mongols. Yun-nan's unique position as a crossroads between East and West highlights its vibrant cultural and economic significance throughout history.

The journey along the Silk Road serves as a historical exploration, connecting ancient civilizations and cultures from China to the Mediterranean. Bill Porter, a renowned translator and scholar, embarks on a captivating adventure in 1992, armed with only a few essentials and the company of a friend. His travels reveal a tapestry of colorful anecdotes, rich mythology, and intriguing characters, from card-sharks to monks, while reflecting on the road's significance in commercial and cultural exchanges throughout history.

The book explores the rich cultural and geographical evolution of China, focusing on the transition from the Yellow River to the Yangtze as the heart of civilization. It delves into the concept of Chiangnan, a region steeped in diverse interpretations, evoking images of serene landscapes, tea terraces, and spiritual sites. In 1991, Bill Porter, accompanied by poet Finn Wilcox and photographer Steve Johnson, embarks on a journey through this misty land, documenting their experiences with evocative prose and striking black-and-white photography.

Set against the backdrop of 1968, a pivotal year in American history, the novel follows Bud Willis, a southern reporter navigating his new role at a Vermont newspaper. Each chapter captures a day filled with significant events, reflecting the tumult of the era. As he grapples with the challenges of reporting, including a contentious police chief and an ambitious state's attorney, Bud also faces internal conflicts within the newsroom, particularly regarding unionization efforts led by the managing editor he respects.