(VOVworld)- The two-volume book “Thang Long-Hanoi History” received the Golden prize for “Interesting book” and Silver Prize for “Beautiful Book” at the Vietnamese Book Competition in 2013. With love for Hanoi, People’s Teacher Professor Phan Huy Le and his associates compiled the book to picture Hanoi’s glorious history.

The book collection comprises research on Hanoi over the past 2 decades and valuable materials about Hanoi that have been collected in Vietnam and overseas. Archeological materials about Hanoi are also introduced in the book. The large-scale excavation of the Thang Long citadel over an area of 30,000 square meters unearthed valuable artifacts depicting different historical periods of Thang Long-Hanoi over the past 1,000 years. Professor Phan Huy Le says the book “Thang Long-Hanoi History” was introduced at a time when much effort and attention was being given to research on Hanoi. That’s why the book gathers the latest findings about Hanoi.

People’s Teacher Professor Phan Huy Le and his associates compiled the book to picture Hanoi’s glorious history.

The book also reflects a new overview on Thang Long-Hanoi history. Using advanced methods of sociology research, the book introduces readers to the political system, heads of the state apparatus, and administration as well as the daily lives of local people including craftsmen, and trade guilds. Professor Phan Huy Le said:“This is the history, not just of a province or an administrative region but of a political and cultural center. The book presents a panoramic view of Thang Long-Hanoi. It covers politics, wars against foreign invaders, and also economic, social and cultural activities. It looks at the community’s life more than focusing on outstanding personalities”.

The book is like a rich archive that introduces typical architecture, construction works, the King’s fishing gear, and traces of former palaces. Professor Le told us:“The book shows what the palaces of the Ly and Tran dynasties looked like and how bricks and tiles were arranged. Measurements play an important part in architecture, especially wooden architecture. Findings show that the unit of measurement used in the Ly dynasty was 29.9 cm. There are findings that cannot be found in the Thang Long citadel relic. The architecture of the Thang Long ancient citadel was harmonious with nature”.

The book “Thang Long Hanoi History” was published by Hanoi Publishing House in 2011. It is the outcome of more than 6 years of research by Professor Phan Huy Le and his associates who all share a great love for Hanoi.