This is an important part of its cultural project to collect, compile and publish a series of books on the 1,000 year history of Hanoi’s ancient capital formerly known as Thang Long, to mark its millennial anniversary.

Additionally, the HPH collected around 9,000 pages of documents written by UK and Dutch companies on the socio-cultural and economic life, religion and traditional customs of Thang Long’s denizens in the 17th century.

It also sought out and translated documents on Vietnam that were preserved in other Asian countries, especially China.

HPH General Director Nguyen Khac Oanh said that the campaign to seek valuable books and materials on Thang Long-Hanoi has contributed to the publisher’s project to build a data bank on the capital city.

He said that his company plans to introduce 100 book titles on history, geography, culture, literature and society in 2010 on the occasion of the city’s millennial celebrations.

Thang Long-Hanoi came into being in the autumn of 1010 with King Ly Thai To’s Edict on the Transfer of the Capital. Being one of the most ancient capitals in Southeast Asia, this imperial land boasts a continuous history throughout an entire millennium, passing from dynasty to dynasty right up through modern times.