WHAT: "Frank Dorn, the Mysterious Mapmaker of Beiping (Beijing)" by Lar Ulrik Thom (online), co-organized by RASBJ and Beijing Postcards

WHEN: June 18, Wednesday, from 7:00-8:00 PM Beijing Time

MORE ABOUT THE EVENT: In 1936 Frank Dorn made one of the most fascinating and popular maps of old Beijing. Cartoon in style, Dorn's map is a unique window into old Beijing. Surprisingly little is known publicly about the mysterious mapmaker, even though the man is as fascinating as his map. In Beijing (then Beiping), he befriended some of the most knowledgeable foreign experts on China including Owen Lattimore, Sven Hedin and L.C Arlington. Dorn worked on a movie script with the first Hollywood star of Chinese origin, Anna May Wong. In 1938 after war broke out between China and Japan, Dorn met and befriended a young Zhou Enlai. And later, when the US entered the war against Japan, Dorn was promoted to the rank of general and witnessed at close quarters some of the heated disagreements between key players of the time, such as Chiang Kai-shek and the founder of the Flying Tigers Claire Chennault. Both the map and its maker offer unique perspectives on China's late Republican era.

MORE ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Lars Ulrik Thom has been dedicated to Beijing history for the past 20 years. As the founder of Beijing Postcards​, he's been leading projects, conducting archival research, collecting oral histories, and sharing this knowledge through themed walks, talks, exhibitions and historical souvenirs.

HOW MUCH: Admission to this collaboration between RASBJ and Beijing Postards is RMB 50 for members of RASBJ, the Beijing Postcards community, and partner RAS branches (London, Shanghai, and Hong Kong). RMB 100 for non-members. Interested in becoming an RASBJ member? Please sign up at https://rasbj.org/membership/​

HOW TO JOIN THE EVENT: Please click "Register" or "I will Attend" no later than noon on June 16 and follow the instructions. After successful registration you'll receive a confirmation email with a link to join the event. If you seem not to have received it, please check your spam folder. You may find paying via Alipay easier than paying by Wechat; you can also use international credit cards.

MEMBERS OF PARTNER RAS BRANCHES: Please register at least 72 hours in advance to allow time for membership verification. You'll receive several emails from RASBJ confirming registration/payment. Please check your spam folder to ensure you see all RASBJ emails.

REFUND POLICY: If the organizers cancel this event, registrants will be refunded in full.