Group 1 - The article emphasizes the significance of horses in civilization, highlighting their role in connecting war, trade, and power throughout history [9][11] - It presents a curated reading list themed around "horses," showcasing various books that explore the cultural, historical, and philosophical implications of horses [4][5] - The reading list includes diverse genres, from historical accounts to fictional narratives, illustrating the multifaceted relationship between humans and horses [3][4] Group 2 - The book "Horses and the Creation of Civilization" by David Chaffetz discusses how horses redefined human history and their importance as a strategic resource for empires [9] - "Longxi to the West, Rome to the East" by Edward Berman presents the Silk Road as a "horse road," emphasizing the strategic value of horses in the Tang Dynasty [11] - "The Litchi of Chang'an" by Ma Boyong narrates a thrilling story involving the transportation of litchis, showcasing the challenges faced by horses in ancient China [15] Group 3 - "The Disaster of No Cause" by Dick Francis, a suspense novel set in the horse racing world, reflects the author's deep understanding of the industry [14] - "Chinese Monsters" provides insights into mythical creatures, including horses, from Chinese folklore, appealing to readers interested in cultural heritage [19] - "The Story of Chess" by Stefan Zweig uses the metaphor of the horse in chess to explore deeper psychological themes [28] Group 4 - "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas is highlighted as a classic novel that intertwines themes of revenge and redemption, featuring a protagonist with a strong connection to horses [42] - "The Principles" by Ray Dalio, while a success guide, is rooted in the author's personal failures, offering valuable lessons applicable to various fields [59] - "The Great Failure" by Wu Xiaobo chronicles the stories of once-thriving companies that faced downfall, providing insights into the business landscape [55]

Core Insights - The sales of French and British literary works on JD.com have shown significant growth in 2025, reflecting the sustained interest of Chinese readers in high-quality international literature and the effective role of JD.com in connecting overseas works with Chinese audiences [1][5]. Group 1: French Literature - Classic French works such as "Le Petit Prince" have become bestsellers, with over 500,000 copies sold in 2025 alone, indicating their deep emotional resonance and cultural significance among Chinese readers [2]. - Other notable French titles like "Les Misérables," "Vingt mille lieues sous les mers," and "Le Rouge et le Noir" have collectively seen over 50% growth in sales on JD.com in 2025, showcasing the diverse appeal of French literature in China [2][4]. Group 2: British Literature - British literary classics such as "Harry Potter," "Charlotte's Web," and "Wonder" have also experienced nearly 50% year-on-year sales growth on JD.com in 2025, highlighting their enduring popularity and emotional connection with Chinese readers [4][5]. - The universal themes and artistic qualities of these works contribute to their ability to resonate across cultural boundaries, reinforcing the stable demand for high-quality literary content in the Chinese market [5]. Group 3: JD.com's Role - JD.com is actively promoting the connection between French and British literature and Chinese readers by leveraging its supply chain capabilities and market insights to align literary offerings with reader preferences [7]. - The platform employs diverse reading scenarios and precise recommendations to enhance the accessibility of classic works, fostering greater understanding and resonance between French and British cultures and Chinese audiences [7]. - Looking ahead, JD.com plans to deepen collaborations with domestic and international publishing partners to introduce and promote more classic works, further expanding the reach and depth of French and British literature in China [7].

Core Viewpoint - The resurgence of musicals in Paris is notable, with a significant increase in audience engagement and a shift in public perception towards this genre [1] Group 1: Audience Growth - In 2024, the number of viewers attending musicals is projected to increase by 22%, with "Star Wars: The Musical" attracting 1.3 million viewers [1] - The percentage of French people who watch musicals at least once a year has risen from 6% in 2014 to 19% in 2025 [1] Group 2: Notable Productions - The musical "The Sun King" is making a return 20 years after its debut, with tickets nearly sold out for its upcoming performance at the Paris Dome [1] - Productions like "The Lion King," which has been running for five years with an annual audience of 440,000, are contributing to the growing popularity of musicals [1] Group 3: Changing Perceptions - French audiences are increasingly viewing musicals as serious art forms rather than mere entertainment, thanks to improved script quality and character development [1] - The success of "Notre-Dame de Paris," which premiered at the Palais des Congrès, marked a turning point for French musicals, being translated into 10 languages and performed in 24 countries [1]