On the cusp of his second anniversary in office on May 20th, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) is a busy man.
One project he has been working on is a photo book which, according to the preface, is designed to "unveil to the public the mysterious side of the Presidential Office."
The book is entitled President A-bian: Up Close and Personal " and will be released today.
"Through this presentation of photos, the president wants to give people a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes in this majestic building," the preface of the book explains.
In addition to the book, Chen graces the cover of Newsweek's latest edition, which hits the newsstands today.
The book is a collection of 210 black-and-white photos of the president since the day he ascended to the presidency.
The 15-chapter album includes some of the president's most historic moments, such as the day of his election as the nation's president and the day he returned to his hometown of Kuantian, Tainan County as head of state.
There are also entries on the day his daughter's marriage, his first military-base inspection, his first look inside a submarine and the day he rode a bicycle to work to promote a greener lifestyle.
"This book is to give people a snapshot of the daily life of the president. You shouldn't have to wait until a president's death to know what its like inside the Presidential Office," the book says.
Chen said last week that the album gives him an opportunity to record his feelings and thoughts after two years in office.
Chen recounts in the book how, over the past two years, he has sought to visit people in every part of the nation and has "shaken their hands and felt their vitality and creativity."
"The photos show the many sides of Taiwan. The main characters are the people. I am merely an actor as well as an audience," said the president.
Prior to May 20, the president is slated to announce the establishment of the National Museum of Human Rights.
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