The author writes about his experiences as a translator of English and Chinese languages and advocates the central idea that translation requires meticulous work, not creative expression that reflects the translator's imagination and subjective interpretation. According to the author, book translation is converting a text from one language to another while retaining the content and meaning of the original text as accurately as possible. It is a reproduction using another language rather than a creation based on the translator's understanding and preference.

Drawn from his decade long experience as a translator, the author shares his understanding of book translation and reflects on other areas in the translation and publication field. Using numerous examples, the author explains that translation requires linguistic mastery and a deep understanding of the source and target cultures to capture the essence of the original text but should limits creativity. The author emphasizes technical skills of language proficiency and the ability to accurately and effectively convey information. According to the author, a translator should strive to be an artisan than to be an artist. By writing this book, he hopes to challenge some deep-rooted ideas and practices in book translation, translation publishing, translation teaching and learning, and foreign language studies. This book will be valuable to book translators, language teachers and learners of English (translation), and those who are interested in translation and translation research.