Long River Solitary Journey: The Ninety-Nine Years of Life's Vicissitudes: The Ninety-Nine Years of Life's Vicissitudes

Author: Zhao Cheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: A professor at Tsinghua University and renowned water conservancy expert, Huang Wanli, who was hailed as a model of conscientious intellectuals in 20th-century China for his pragmatic and truthful approach, coupled with his courage to speak his mind. Born into a distinguished family and mentored by renowned teachers, he initially studied at Tangshan Jiaotong University before pursuing advanced studies in water conservancy at Cornell University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Illinois, earning both master's and doctoral degrees. He worked on water conservancy projects in Southwest, Northwest, and Northeast China, insisting on field investigations and scientific practices. In 1957, based on the realities of the Yellow River, he firmly opposed the construction of the Sanmenxia Dam and criticized the planning of Soviet experts. Additionally, his book Whispers in the Flower Grove, which exposed contemporary issues, led to his persecution and being labeled a rightist. After enduring immense hardships, he was finally exonerated 22 years later and returned to the lecture hall to continue his fight for water conservancy truths until his death at the age of 90. With the authorization of Huang Wanli's family, the author has written his biography, providing nearly 200 precious photographs to witness the historical vicissitudes. The book comprehensively portrays Huang Wanli's father, the famous educator and revolutionary Huang Yanpei, his wife Ding Yujun, and her father Ding Weifeng, a founding member of the Kuomintang. It also vividly recounts the lives of Huang Wanli's martyred second brother, Huang Mengfu, who served as Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, as well as his father Jingwu and numerous other members of the Huang family, along with his students, friends, and relatives, including three generations of maidservants, three generations of PhDs, transnational relatives, an academic, and colleagues who shared his struggles. Reading it is like witnessing a historical scroll unfold before your eyes.