The first volume of the 800,000 page-book is expected to make its debut on June 30 with the participation of 1,200 authors including Vietnam’s leading professors, doctors and researchers as well as state agencies, political organizations and hundreds of schools in the capital city.

The four-volume book contains materials selected from 1,600 Chinese books, 5,000 English and French books and 2,500 articles.

Editor in chief Professor Do Nguyen Cat said the book is considered an encyclopedia of Thang Long-Hanoi and very useful for those who want to learn about the history and culture of Thang Long-Hanoi. It also includes excellent articles about different periods in history, as well as beautiful places and outstanding people in history.

The remaining volumes of the book are being edited and will be published in October this year. The total cost for compiling and publishing the book is estimated to reach around US$3.5 billion.