Weekly Picks (2025-04-30)

Cartographies of postcolonial vegetal politics : Deleuze, Guattari, and mathema of vegetality
Author: Ghosal, Abhisek
Publication Info: Lexington Books, 2025
ISBN: 9781666953008
Library Holding: 2/F A3 Education & Arts, B 105 P535 Gho 2025
In this groundbreaking work, Abhisek Ghosal reimagines vegetal politics through a Deleuzo-Guattarian lens. By challenging traditional arboreal structures of plant-thinking, the book introduces 'plant-becoming' as a revolutionary conceptual framework. Ghosal deconstructs postcolonial vegetality, presenting it as a dynamic, deterritorial vector that transcends rigid intellectual models, offering scholars an innovative approach to understanding the intricate political landscapes of plant existence.

从数学到哲学 = From mathematics to philosophy
Author: 王浩, 1921-1995
Publication Info: 广西师范大学出版社, 2024
ISBN: 9787559863324
Library Holding: 2/F A3 Education & Arts, BD 161 Wan 2024
A seminal work by renowned mathematical logician Wang Hao, this book embarks on an intellectual journey from mathematics to philosophy. Following the tradition of thinkers from Plato to Gödel, the author meticulously explores the intrinsic connections between mathematical reasoning and philosophical thought. Through rigorous logic and profound insights, Wang Hao bridges disciplinary boundaries, offering readers a transformative perspective on the interplay between mathematical and philosophical discourse.

首位华人主教罗文炤研究 = El primer obispo chino : fray Gregorio Lo, o López
Author: Moreno, Pablo Robert
Publication Info: 上海古籍出版社, 2024
ISBN: 9787573212993
Library Holding: 2/F A3 Education & Arts, BV 3427 L59 Mor 2024
This book investigates the life of Aloysius Jin Jiazhao (1617-1691), the only native Chinese bishop during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The book illustrates his journey from conversion to apostolic vicariate, analyzing his involvement in the ritual disputes of the time. Grounded in a rich array of sources, it highlights Jin's unique contributions to Sino-Western exchanges, offering insights into the role of Chinese Catholics and European missionaries in cultural and commercial interactions.

解構大學排名榜 : 從三大系統談起 = The impact of higher education ranking systems on universities
Author: Downing, Kevin
Publication Info: 香港城市大學出版社, 2024
ISBN: 9789629376864
Library Holding: 2/F A3 Education & Arts, LB 2331.62 Dow 2024
This book offers an in-depth analysis of higher education ranking systems. In recent years, university rankings have attracted significant media attention and influence decisions made by governments, educational institutions, and prospective students. This book examines the origins, evolution, and methodologies of three recognized ranking systems: the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), QS World University Rankings (QS WUR), and Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE WUR). It addresses how to improve ranking criteria and data accuracy, thereby enabling universities to enhance policies and resource allocation.

改变设计的AI技术 : 基于Midjourney+Stable Diffusion = [AI technology that changes design: Based on Midjourney+Stable Diffusion]
Author: 閆河
Publication Info: 机械工业出版社, 2024
ISBN: 9787111752646
Library Holding: G/F Zone B3 New Arrivals, N 7433.8 Yen 2024
This book explores the applications of AI painting technologies in modern design. This book introduces the advantages and disadvantages of two major AI drawing tools: Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, providing tutorials on registration, installation, and usage. It covers basic parameters, style techniques, and various practical cases, including logo design, anime character creation, and product posters. Readers will gain essential skills in AI drawing and improve their design abilities through practical applications.

Macau patterns = 澳門圖樣
Author: Bucho, Eva
Publication Info: 澳門國際研究所, 2024
ISBN: 9789996559884
Library Holding: 2/F A3 Education & Arts, NK 1483 M3 Buc 2024
This book is an artistic photography book that reveals the rich cultural patterns and architectural styles of Macau. The selected images showcase the blend of traditional and modern design elements, including doors, railings, and floor tiles, inviting readers to experience the unique historical atmosphere of Macau. The book is divided into five chapters, each focusing on a different parish of the Macau Peninsula, highlighting the distinctive charm and cultural essence of these areas. It serves as a tribute to Macau's visual arts and a precious record of its cultural heritage.

中國文明的起源 = [The origin of Chinese civilization]
Author: 夏鼐
Publication Info: 商務印書館(香港)有限公司, 2024
ISBN: 9789620759635
Library Holding: 3/F C1 History & Geography, CC 101 C5 Hsi 2024
This book delves into the formation and development of Chinese civilization, integrating the latest findings from archaeology and history. This work analyzes various archaeological sites, artifacts, and ancient texts, detailing the evolution from prehistoric societies to early states. It reveals the complex relationships between humans and nature, as well as society and culture. The book offers valuable historical insights and profound reflections on the deeper significance of Chinese civilization, providing essential references for readers to understand the roots of Chinese culture.

制造亚洲 : 一部地图上的历史 = Mapping Asia
Author: 宋念申
Publication Info: 广西师范大学出版社, 2024
ISBN: 9787559869012
Library Holding: 3/F C1 History & Geography, DS 33 Sun 2024
This book is a groundbreaking work by Professor Song Nianshen of Tsinghua University. Using over a hundred rare ancient maps, the book explores the evolution and construction of the concept of "Asia." Through the lens of geography, it scrutinizes the historical boundary between Asia and Europe, revealing how maps reflect political, economic, and cultural power dynamics. The book challenges conventional notions of discovery influenced by colonialism, offering readers a profound insight into the complex history of Asia. This is a must-read for history and map enthusiasts alike.

Green with milk and sugar : when Japan filled America's tea cups
Author: Hellyer, Robert I.
Publication Info: Columbia University Press, 2024
ISBN: 9780231216678
Library Holding: 4/F A1 Business Administration, HD 9198 U52 Hel 2024
Robert Hellyer's "Green with Milk and Sugar" explores the fascinating transpacific tea trade between Japan and the United States. Tracing tea consumption from the 19th century, the book reveals how Americans initially embraced Japanese green tea, later shifting to black tea due to socioeconomic trends. Through captivating narratives of tea merchants, farmers, and personal histories, Hellyer uncovers the profound international dimensions hidden in a seemingly simple beverage.

正义的决疑 = [Questions about justice]
Author: 车浩, 1977-
Publication Info: 法律出版社, 2024
ISBN: 9787519775889
Library Holding: 4/F C1 Law & Public Administration, KNQ 3800 Che 2024
In "Questions about justice", Professor Che Hao presents a compelling collection of legal essays that explore intricate legal dilemmas through captivating narratives. Rather than focusing on law-making, the book delves into how legal principles can be effectively applied to uphold justice. Each story raises profound questions about justice, revealing the nuanced thinking behind legal reasoning and demonstrating the delicate balance between legal interpretation and human empathy.

Nexus : a brief history of information networks from the Stone Age to AI
Author: Harari, Yuval N.
Publication Info: Random House, 2024
ISBN: 9780593734223
Library Holding: 5/F B4 Library and Information Science, ZA 3075 Har 2024
In "Nexus", Yuval Noah Harari traces humanity's information networks from stone tablets to AI, revealing how storytelling and communication technologies have shaped civilizations. By exploring the historical evolution of information systems, Harari examines how myths, bureaucracies, and emerging technologies transform human societies. The book offers a compelling analysis of our current technological revolution, questioning how AI might fundamentally alter our understanding of connection, truth, and human agency.