The 18th Beijing International Book Fair wrapped up on Sunday after setting a number of records.

The fair has seen about 3,000 copyright deals inked between Chinese and foreign publishers, a 24 percent increase compared to 2010, according to the organizer.

There were 30 percent more Chinese books sold to foreign publishers, more books than Chinese publishers bought from foreign publishers.

Here is a selection of the books that were launched in English versions, or whose English versions copyrights were sold.

Old Land, New Tales: 20 Best Stories of Shaanxi Writers (China Intercontinental Press)

Shaanxi writers present a trend in Chinese literary creations with their countryside-themed novels and stories. The collection has 20 short stories from prize-winning writers, including Jia Pingwa, Lu Yao and Chen Zhongshi.

Fine Arts in the Era of Mao Zedong (Cengage Learning Asia Pte. Ltd)

Compiled by art critic Zou Yuejin, also from Mao's hometown of Hunan province, the book reviews the arts in Mao's era, including paintings connected to the Communist Party of China's history, plus images of women, children and workers/farmers.

Intended to offer new insights into the past and the present of China, the picture-heavy book was launched in an English version and soon-to-be e-versions by Cengage Learning and Hunan Fine Arts Publishing House, featuring a solid translation and abundant pictures.

Sabriye and Her School for Blind Children in Tibet (China Intercontinental Press)

The book is an illustrated record of German Sabriye Tenberken and her assistance of blind children in Tibet autonomous region.

With numerous photos and copies of letters, written with sincerity, the book is a good read for those who are curious about the life of ordinary students and families on the plateau.

A Professional IELTS Dictionary, co-edited by New Oriental and Harper Collins

The New Oriental Educational and Technology Group, a Chinese enterprise in English education, is contracted to deliver the world's first dictionary specializing in preparing for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination for Chinese candidates, with HarperCollins, veteran publisher of dictionaries.

Expected to be published in 2013, the dictionary will combine IELTS training experience and dictionary compilation for a tailor-made Chinese-English learner's bilingual dictionary.

China Daily

(China Daily 09/09/2011 page19)