The USA Pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai Releases Official Commemorative Book

SHANGHAI, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The official commemorative book of the USA Pavilion, The USA Pavilion 2010 Shanghai: Rising to the Challenge, is set to hit shelves on September 15, 2010. Through more than 150 colorful images by photographer Edward Denison and personal accounts by USAP staff, U.S. State Department officials, and USA Pavilion Student Ambassadors, the book gives readers a sense of the USA Pavilion experience, in addition to sharing the story behind the building of the pavilion.

"Expo 2010 Shanghai is expected to be the largest World's Fair ever and perhaps the largest gathering in human history," explained Frank Lavin, the book's editor and chairman of the Steering Committee for the USA Pavilion. "As one of the most popular attractions at the Expo, the USA Pavilion is having a lasting impression on millions of Chinese.  Rising to the Challenge offers a unique, behind the scenes look at the USA Pavilion experience that will intrigue Expo buffs and American history fans alike."

The book opens with messages from Lavin and USA Pavilion committee founders regarding the importance of the United States' participation in the World Expo, as well as the challenges faced bringing the pavilion to fruition. The 104-page book devotes more than 60 pages to chronicling the development of the USA Pavilion, including a timeline of milestones with corresponding photos, construction specifications, and quotes from U.S. President Barack Obama and other U.S. dignitaries.

Architectural designs, artist renderings, construction site photos, and commentary from Clive Grout, architect, give insight to the vision behind the USA Pavilion's design.

The second half of the book concentrates on the visitors' experience at the USA Pavilion, including the three-act, multi-dimensional show, which relies on humor, storytelling and vibrant imagery to bring the spirit of America to Shanghai. Special attention is paid to the production of "The Garden," the Pavilion's main event, which follows a little girl's dream to transform a vacant lot into a garden. Two dozen photos showcase the USA Pavilion's unique Student Ambassador program, the pavilion's entertainment line-up, and the efforts of hundreds of pavilion employees and volunteers.

The book concludes with images and trivia about World's Fairs throughout the decades, presented by World's Fair historian Albert Fisher and David J. Cope. A listing of USA Pavilion sponsors and supporters follows.

Frank Lavin currently serves as Chairman of the Public Affairs Practice for Edelman Asia Pacific. As Under Secretary for International Trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Lavin was lead trade negotiator for both China and India. He also served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore from 2001 - 05 where he helped negotiate the landmark U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement.

Dan Kadison is the book's Deputy Editor. This award-winning reporter has worked for the New York Post and South China Morning Post.  

The hardcover book (ISBN 978-981-4260-32-9), which was designed and produced by Editions Didier Milliet of Singapore, is presented in an 8 1/4" x 10 1/4" format and includes 104 pages. It will be available on September 15, 2010 at Amazon.com, select Borders locations and Borders.com, Barnes and Noble online, as well as specialty stores nationwide. The retail price is $25.95.

At more than 60,000 square feet, the USA Pavilion is one of the largest national pavilions at the Expo. With the theme of "Rising to the Challenge," the United States presence showcases American culture, values, innovation and business in one of China's most dynamic cities, while celebrating the friendship and cooperation between the United States, China and the rest of the world.

USA Pavilion official website:

http://www.usapavilion2010.com

USA Pavilion official Facebook page :

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/USA-Pavilion-Shanghai-Expo-2010/171345617356?ref=sgm

Photos:

http://www.ereleases.com/pic/USA-Pavilion.jpg

http://www.ereleases.com/pic/USA-Pavilion-2.jpg

This News Flash is distributed by Newsmaker Group on behalf of Shanghai Expo 2010 Inc., a non-profit corporation authorized by the State Department of the United States of America to conduct the planning, design, fundraising and operation of the USA National Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

SOURCE Shanghai Expo 2010 Inc.