The London Book Fair 2026 is one of the publishing world’s most anticipated global gatherings, bringing together authors, publishers, agents, and book lovers from across the globe. Known for spotlighting fresh voices, emerging trends, and international storytelling, the fair is where books spark conversations, deals are born, and stories find new life beyond borders—making it a true celebration of the power and reach of the written word.
We’re beyond thrilled to share that this book is officially being showcased at the 2026 London Book Fair, one of the world’s most exciting meeting places for stories, ideas, and publishing dreams. From buzzing aisles to curious readers and industry tastemakers, this is where books step into the global spotlight—and this one is ready to shine.
Having “James Legge and the Chinese Classics: A Brilliant Scot in the Turmoil of Colonial Hong Kong” by Marilyn Bowman displayed by Citi of Books in London feels like a celebration of every page and dream poured into its creation. It’s more than a milestone; it’s a moment of joy, pride, and possibility.
Marilyn Bowman‘s research and clinical academic career as a psychologist focused on individual differences in cognitive abilities and in response to challenging life events. Long interested in the history of China and in the countries of the Silk Road, she has travelled widely in Asia and Europe, seeking places with their historical connections. Her encounter with James Legge combined her professional interests with her interests in Asian history. The challenging events that James Legge experienced across his life in Hong Kong revealed his exceptional linguistic talents and steadfast resilience, her own “peculiar department”, as Legge described his interests. As she discovered his rich blend of talent and resilience in a setting of great political and cultural conflict, she wanted more people to know about this outstanding man.
History is not just what happened, but who had the courage to understand it. That sentiment felt especially fitting during the 2026 London Book Fair, where “James Legge and the Chinese Classics: A Brilliant Scot in the Turmoil of Colonial Hong Kong” by Marilyn Bowman drew curious readers into a world of scholarship, danger, and cultural exchange. Among the many titles on display, this book stood out for its vivid portrayal of a man who bridged two vastly different worlds at a time when doing so was anything but easy.
The buzz around the book came from its larger-than-life subject, James Legge, a Scottish missionary and translator who devoted his life to interpreting the Chinese Classics during a period marked by conflict between Britain and China. The blog-worthy twist is that his story reads less like a quiet academic biography and more like an adventure novel. From surviving illness and political unrest to facing real physical danger during the Taiping Rebellion, Legge’s life unfolded against a backdrop of war, trade upheaval, and cultural tension. Visitors at the fair were often surprised to learn just how action-packed a scholar’s life could be.
What made the book even more compelling for fairgoers was its human side. Beyond the historical drama, it explored Legge’s resilience through personal loss, illness, and controversy. He challenged prevailing colonial attitudes by showing respect for Chinese philosophy and culture, which did not always sit well with his contemporaries. That tension gave readers something deeper to reflect on, especially in today’s world where cross-cultural understanding still matters so much. Many who stopped by the display found themselves drawn not only to the history, but to the values behind it.
By the end of the event, it was clear that Marilyn Bowman’s work had left a strong impression. It offered something unique amid the sea of titles, a blend of history, biography, and gripping storytelling that appealed to both casual readers and history enthusiasts. For anyone who missed it at the London Book Fair, this book remains a hidden gem worth discovering, especially if you enjoy stories about real people who dared to look beyond their own world and truly understand another.
