1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows. Two lives, one nation and a century of art under tyranny in China: Weiwei Ai

A family story and the tale of a nation.

Ai Weiwei - one of the world`s most famous artists and activists - weaves a century-long epic tale of China through the story of his own life and that of his father, Ai Qing, the nation`s most celebrated poet.

`Engrossing...a remarkable story` Sunday Times

Here, through the sweeping lens of his own and his father`s life, Ai Weiwei tells an epic tale of China over the last 100 years, from the Cultural Revolution to the modern-day Chinese Communist Party.

Here is the story of a childhood spent in desolate exile after his father, Ai Qing, once China`s most celebrated poet, fell foul of the authorities. Here is his move to America as a young man and his return to China, his rise from unknown to art-world superstar and international rights activist. Here is his extraordinary account of how his work has been shaped by living under a totalitarian regime.

It`s the story of a father and a son, of exceptional creativity and passionate belief, and of how two indomitable spirits enabled the world to understand their country.

`A story of inherited resilience and self-determination` Observer

`A majestic and exquisitely serious masterpiece about his China... One of the great voices of our time` Andrew Solomon

`Intimate, unflinching...an instant classic` Evan Osnos, author of Age of Ambition