Keith Macgregor (left) and Graeme Reading launch the new book celebrating Hong Kong’s ‘spectacular neon’

The bright lights of Hong Kong can now be enjoyed regardless of where you live, thanks to an energy-packed new photographic book called Neon City .

The 176-page hardback coffee table book captures the world-renowned scenes and signs of Hong Kong by night in beautiful, glossy colour. Designed for overseas and local readers alike, the book "positions Hong Kong as the epicenter of spectacular neon - a new urban art", according to co-publisher and Hong Kong-based restaurateur Graeme Reading.

Mr Reading, whose International Restaurant Development group runs an expanding number of restaurants in Hong Kong including Caf?Deco and EAT Noodles on the Peak, conceived the idea along with Keith Macgregor, a renowned Hong Kong photographer now living in the UK. Mr Macgregor spent two years taking the pictures for the book, while the words were written by David Clive Price.

"I am doing this for Hong Kong - my home for much of my life and a city I love," Mr Macgregor said. "Every person who has visited Hong Kong can identify and have a personal connection with the photographs they will see in the book, and those who have not been will no doubt recognise them and be drawn to our city."

	Hong Kong images such as this will be recognised by people all over the world. Copyright Keith Macgregor

Mr Macgregor's passion for photographing the SAR was captured in his first book, An Eye on Hong Kong, published in 1997 and covering 27 years of photography here. The overwhelming success of the first book inspired him to record the neon images he admires so much.

Added Mr Reading: "Both Keith and I think the city's neon images are spectacular in their use of design and colour, and give Hong Kong its unique character.

"They are an ultimate expression of life in Hong Kong and they say much about how the East meets the West, and the old meets the new in this place. Neon images are just the perfect representation of what makes Hong Kong special. In a way, they are a type of pop art not unlike the movement in New York in the 1960s led by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein.

"Hong Kong has exponential energy and the action never stops. It's where Western influence merges with the essence of the Orient."

Mr Reading added that the book is aimed at "anyone fascinated by the uniqueness of Hong Kong, as well as the locals who may be surprised at how beautiful their city is at night."

The book was endorsed and launched by Clara Chong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, who said: "Hong Kong's neon signs are not just an amazing sight for visitors: they're also a living expression of our city's energy, vibrancy, sophistication and excitement. It is wonderful to see them captured so strikingly in print."

The book retails for HK$295 (US$38) at all leading bookstores and hotels in Hong Kong. For online orders email pchanepl@pacific.net.hk

Related links:
International Restaurant Development www.cafedeco.com
Hong Kong Tourism Board http://webserv1.discoverhongkong.com/flash.html