After 50 years of political and media obfuscation, most people are at best rather hazy about Taiwan. An entertaining and astute historical essay on Taiwan can be found here. Another history that is a little drier, but with some great pictures, can be found here.
Fantastic up-to-the-minute blogs about Taiwan:
- Jerome F. Keating’s Writings – Astute political commentary by the writer of Islands in the Stream, A Quick Case Study of Taiwan’s Complex History
- The View from Taiwan – One stop shopping, compendium of all of the current most interesting articles online about Taiwan by an avid bicyclist and photographer based in Taichung, who also has some gorgeous photos of the island on his blog.
- Patrick Cowsill – Insightful essays on little known Taiwanese history and life in Taipei.
Essential books about Taiwan:
- A Taste of Freedom by Peng Ming Min – Professor Peng’s amazing memoir, from losing his left arm in a bombing raid in World War II to his political awakening in the 1960s, and incredible escape to America. It reads like an adventure novel – you won’t be able to put it down. Free online copy available here.
- Formosa Betrayed by George Kerr – This is the book that I serendipitously found in the bargain basement of a bookstore that was closing. Eye-opening account of 228 and the White Terror by an American diplomat in Taiwan. Free online copy or order a copy on Amazon.
Be a Part of the Struggle to Preserve Taiwan’s Democracy:
- The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) was founded in 1982 to promote international support of Taiwan’s independence. Through their website you can find out current public policy actions – petitions that need signatures, demonstrations that need people.
- TaiwaneseAmerican.org is an essential website for everything going on in the Taiwanese-American community. Buy a tee-shirt and declare your Taiwan pride or join in one of the Taiwanese community’s many events!
Almost Home: Taiwan 