Wandering Between People's Welfare and Democracy: A Translation of Political Reform Discourse in the Da Gong Bao (1927-1937)

Author: Ren Tong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Founded in 1902, the Ta Kung Pao, still published in Hong Kong today, is described as "the longest-lived, most influential, and most reputable newspaper in the history of Chinese journalism" (by Fang Hanqi), and "capable of encompassing the 20th century in China," being "an encyclopedic modern Chinese history" (by Ji Xianlin). The New Ta Kung Pao further established its unique character with the famous "Four Principles" of its editorial policy—not partisan, not for sale, not selfish, not blind. This book examines the Ta Kung Pao's ideological direction and developmental trajectory during the period from 1927 to 1937, i.e., from the success of the Northern Expedition to the full outbreak of the War of Resistance. Taking this as a starting point, it explores the pulse of political reform ideas, the intensification of social conditions, and the subtle shifts in public opinion during this time. For readers interested in mass communication or social history during the Republican era, it is an excellent and highly recommended work.