John

Author: Edward
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: Little John, which was completed in 1887 and is hailed by Mr. Lu Xun as "unrhymed poetry, a fairy tale for adults," is a representative work in the literary career of Van Eeden. This small book, written in "language close to that of children" and employing an allegorical style, reveals profound themes about the ideals, meaning, value, and responsibilities of life. The protagonist, Little John, earnestly seeks the "great book that deciphers all the mysteries of life," and to some extent, his journey mirrors the process of human spiritual growth. Even today, it remains a thought-provoking and worthwhile book to read again and again. In his "Introduction" for the Chinese edition of Little John, Mr. Lu Xun offers a profound and brilliant discussion on this, which is included in the appendix of this book for reference.