Speed Reading - Lao She Volume

Author: Jiang Ni (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: This book is a part of the series "Speed Reading on Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literary Masters and Famous Writers." It is reviewed by renowned scholars and writers, and recommended by authoritative professors from Peking University.
Lao She (1899–1966) was a modern and contemporary Chinese writer. His original name was Shu Qingchun, with courtesy name Sheyu. He also used pen names such as Xuqing, Honglai, and Feiwo. He was a Manchu from Beijing, born into a poor family. After graduating from Beijing Normal School in 1918, he served as a primary school principal and secondary school teacher. In 1924, he went to the United Kingdom to teach Chinese at the School of Oriental Studies, University of London. There, he read a large number of English works and engaged in novel writing. In 1926, he joined the Literary Research Association. After returning to China in 1930, he taught at Tsinghua University in Jinan and Shandong University in Qingdao. During the War of Resistance against Japan, he moved south to Hankou and Chongqing. In 1938, when the All-China Literary and Art Resistance Association against Japan was established, he was elected as a council member and director of the General Affairs Department, overseeing the daily operations of the association. In terms of his creative work, he focused on themes of resisting war and saving the nation, writing various forms of literary works. In 1946, he was invited to the United States to lecture for a year. After completing his term, he resided in the U.S. and continued writing. Shortly after the founding of the People's Republic of China, he returned at the invitation of the government and held positions such as Vice President of the Chinese Writers' Federation, Vice President of the Chinese Writers' Association, and Vice President of the Chinese Folk Literature Research Association. He participated in political, social, cultural, and friendly exchanges with foreign countries, paying attention to nurturing and guiding young literary workers. He was awarded the title of "People's Artist" for his outstanding play "Rickshaw Boy." In the early years of the Cultural Revolution, he died under persecution.
Lao She wrote approximately 8 million words throughout his life. His major works include:
- Novels: "The Philosophy of Lao Zhang," "Zhao Ziyu," "Two Horses," "Cat City Chronicle," "Divorce," "The Biography of Niu Tianci," "Professor Wen," "Rickshaw Boy," "Cremation," "Four Generations Under One Roof," "The Story of the Drum Story Teller," and the unfinished "Under the Red Flag."
- Middle-length Novels: "The Moonlight and the Cat," "My Whole Life."
- Short Story Collections: "Rickshaw," "Peach Blossom Sea," "Clam and Seaweed," "Train," and "Anemia."
- Plays: "Rickshaw Boy" and "Teahouse."
- Other Works: "Complete Plays of Lao She," "Essays of Lao She," "Poetry of Lao She," "Literary Criticism of Lao She," and "Collected Works of Lao She."
Lao She is renowned for his novels and plays. His works are largely drawn from the lives of ordinary people, opening up important thematic areas for modern Chinese literature. The natural landscapes, social customs, and colloquial language he depicted are deeply imbued with a "Beijing flavor." His outstanding novels, "Rickshaw Boy" and "Four Generations Under One Roof," are representative works depicting the lives of Beijing citizens. His short stories are meticulously crafted, with diverse and thought-provoking themes, such as "Liu Family Compound," "Taking Office," and "The Soul-Stabbing Gun." His works have been translated into over 20 languages and have won a wide readership for their unique humor, rich national colors, and appeal to both the refined and the popular.