Shen Congwen and His West Hunan (Condensed Edition) (Condensed Edition)

Author: Zhuoya
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-03-01
Features: Nearly half a century later, Zhuoya, a remarkable woman from the same Chu region as Shen Congwen, presents the Xiangxi landscape as depicted in Shen's writings through photography. Over nearly two decades, she used her camera to follow the traces left by Shen Congwen in Xiangxi, capturing over 10,000 photographs of the region's scenery, customs, traditions, and local landmarks. These images are far more than superficial illustrations of Shen's words—they are the result of a dialogue between the female photographer and history, with Shen Congwen, the landscapes and people of Xiangxi, and her own soul. The album is designed by Yuan Yinchang, blending a profound historical sense, rustic local flavor, rich regional characteristics, and striking modernity. Nearly 300 photographs have been carefully selected from over 10,000, many of which are now historical relics and can never beed again, making them invaluable. Combined with a personalized and classic design, this book is truly a matchless treasure. Many years ago, while at Jishou University, the capital of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, I discussed with fellow students and friends who studied Shen Congwen's literature the idea of conducting social surveys on the Xiangxi described in his works. Everyone nodded in agreement, believing it would be a worthwhile endeavor. Literature and history should align harmoniously, offering new insights not just today, tomorrow, or forever. It’s like the legend of catching a school of hairtail fish—once one is caught, the others follow, each biting the tail of the one in front. To hold onto this tightly is the key. To love Shen Congwen and take pride in being his fellow native is to study him not just through his words, not just as a cultural product, but as an emotional one—not just in novels, but in poetry. Xiangxi has always been a place that leaves poets spellbound. Shen Congwen wrote about its landscapes, distances, rhythms, and contrasts—exquisite, delicate, dense yet distant, inventing a new understanding of nature. The scenes are so beautiful to look at, the words so melodious to read, and the images so captivating to imagine. People become more beautiful and intelligent, even cultivating a proud sense of appreciation. Zhuoya sent me a stack of photographs, which I placed on my desk without much attention. One night, I opened them and was almost startled—how serious yet deeply moving they were! So much effort! This is a significant interpretation of Shen Congwen's works, much like how a composer's music is interpreted by later generations of conductors, bringing light and blessings to those who follow. This will be an extraordinary album and photo collection. I do hope it can be a bit more modest, like Shen Congwen himself—not so gilded and ornate, with bright reds and greens—otherwise, Shen Congwen, if he were still among us, would surely burst into laughter.