Bathing in the fragrance of European civilization

Author: Xu Zhimo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: Xu Zhimo was born into a merchant family in Xiasi, Zhejiang. From a young age, he was immersed in the feudal poetic, literary, and ritual teachings. However, his open nature and passionate spirit determined that he was not content with such a narrow life. He disregarded his father's arranged future and stepped out of his small world to eagerly embrace a new life. In the spring of 1921, he entered Cambridge University in London as a special student. The following year, upon returning to China, he joined the "Dinner Club," which was formed by American and British students and others. On this basis, he proposed the establishment of the "New Moon Society," demonstrating his aspiration for Western-style political ideals. It was also out of this affection for Western life that he traveled to the Soviet Union, Germany, Italy, and France from March to July 1925. Three years later, he traveled to the United Kingdom and the United States, time and again immersing himself in the influence of European civilization. Xu Zhimo was not only an outstanding poet but also a great prose writer. His poems are warm, natural, and uniquely elegant, with a clear and flowing charm. His prose achievements are comparable to his poetry, and many of his works have become enduringly celebrated masterpieces. Due to space constraints, this small booklet only selects a few pieces and is accompanied by several relevant picture materials.