General Introduction to Western Literature

Author: Mao Dun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: General Introduction to Western Literature was first published by Shanghai World Press in August 1930. The book consists of 11 chapters plus an "Preface" explaining the author's intent. The author claims, "I aimed to briefly describe the stages of Western literary development in the spirit of 'How to Approach the Study of Western Literature.'" It has the structure of a Western literary history, but the author did not intend to write a comprehensive literary history of writers and works. Instead, he begins with the major trends in the development of Western literature, presenting a clear and well-organized analysis with distinct focus. He strives to outline the fundamental laws of literary and social development within the changes of Western literature. In the book's "Conclusion," the author states: "From the whole process of Western literary development, we can summarize three major trends: from the heavens to the earth, from the constraints of rules and regulations to individual freedom of expression, and from entertainment to instruction, forming consciousness." These perspectives remain highly relevant today, and the book also holds significant value for studying the relationship between the May Fourth-era new literary writers and foreign literature.