This richly illustrated, brightly written work leads readers on a lively, enlightening journey through the emotive landscape and compelling stories that define Taiwan’s modern street vendor scene.

In Vendorworld, celebrated author and artist Cheng Kai-Hsiang constructs an almost ethnographic record of contemporary Taiwan street vendor culture. His keen eye and sharp wit treat each subgenre of vendor culture – from traffic intersection hawkers of white champak “air fresheners” and roadside sellers of barbecue-smoked rolled squid to street market vendors of every stripe – with just the right blend of inquisitiveness and empathy, inviting readers into the experience.

The book is divided into four main sections. “Mobile Underworld” highlights Taiwan’s multitudinous array of mobile vendors, including pushcart sellers of wheel cakes, ladies selling Yakult drinks from bicycle coolers, and much more. “Open for Business” examines vendors that set up shop at fixed locations such as fresh produce sellers at wet markets, sellers of marinated snacks, cold beverage stands, and so on. “Capturing the Essence of Time” looks at game and festival-related vendors offering aquarium-fish catching, water balloon target practice, and other fun activities. The final section, “Metropolis of Collective Vendors” takes on the country’s iconic night markets, traditional markets, and second-hand bazaars. From the smallest of details to big-picture descriptions, this book is your multifaceted window into the mechanics, embellishments, and creative, lively soul that, together, define Taiwan’s modern vendor culture.

More than exploring the aesthetics and witty innovations used by vendors to draw interest and entice passersby to part with their hard-earned money, this book is a loving tribute, in words and illustrations, to this time-honored reflection of authentic, local Taiwan culture. Vendorworld captures in its pages the enticing glow and magic of this world for everyone to enjoy.