Peking University Literature Lectures

Author: Wen Rumin / Jiang Tao (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Includes "Swan Song" and "Backbone of the Middle Rank," showcasing the collective demeanor of the renowned professors of the Peking University Chinese Department's modern and contemporary literature: eloquent words, diverse attitudes, discussing literature and life, inspiring us on how to read good books well; narrating from Lu Xun to Bei Dao, from Shen Congwen to Hai Zi, wandering through the peaks of a century of Chinese literature, inspiring us on how to live a fulfilling life. The fifteen lectures compiled in Peking University Literary Lectures were transcribed from teaching recordings of a semester in the autumn and winter of 2002. The content covers classic writers such as Lu Xun, Zhou Zuoren, Mao Dun, Shen Congwen, Qian Zhongshu, Mu Dan, Eileen Chang, Wang Zengqi, Wang Meng, and Hai Zi; the lineup of instructors is also outstanding, marking a collective appearance of the master teachers of the modern and contemporary Chinese literature program at Peking University's Chinese Department. Among them are both retired renowned professors, such as Yan Jiayan, Le Daiyun, Qian Liqun, Sun Yishi, Hong Zicheng, as well as seasoned and emerging scholars like Wen Rumin, Chen Pingyuan, Shang Jinlin, Zhang Yiwu, Han Yuhai, Kong Qingdong, Wu Xiaodong, Wang Feng, and Jiang Tao.
Each lecture in Peking University Literary Lectures is systematically labeled with hierarchical titles and abstracts, while dynamically designed with rich and lively sub-sections: including introductions to authors and works, biographies of the speakers, extended readings, excerpts from original texts, annotations, and highlights. This allows readers to grasp the essence of the lectures even if they don’t have time to read the original masterpieces. The extended readings also provide essential reading materials for those interested in delving deeper into the classics and exploring related topics further. Concise annotations serve as supplementary knowledge, explaining influential figures such as Hu Shi, Zhu Ziqing, Wen Yiduo, Lin Yutang, Fei Ming, and Wang Yao, as well as globally renowned giants like Ibsen, Tagore, and Eliot, who are indispensable in modern and contemporary Chinese literature and whose works were not covered in class.
By reading this book, readers can broadly grasp the of modern and contemporary literature, experience the charm of the master teachers’ lectures, learn different methods of understanding literary masterpieces, and appreciate the insights and sunshine literature brings to life. The book also preserves many valuable photographs, including scenes of Peking University’s campus, as well as images of the masters and lecture halls, along with memorabilia.