Yesterday's Capital: Three

Author: Zhu Qian
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Zhu Qian (1907—1968), styled Bo-shang, was the eldest son of Zhu Xiizu. In 1929, he was admitted to the graduate program at the University of Berlin in Germany and obtained a doctorate in philosophy. Upon returning to China in 1930, he served as a professor and department head at the Department of Economics, Central University. In addition to teaching, he conducted research on the famous scenic spots and historical sites of Nanjing, taking photographs and measurements himself. Based on this, he began compiling A Study of the Ancient Sites of Jinling, selecting 320 out of over 1,000 images and publishing A Photographic Collection of the Famous Scenic Spots of Jinling, featuring one image with an accompanying text, creating a harmonious blend of words and pictures. He then wrote other specialized works such as A Study of the Six Dynasties Tombs in Jiankang and Langling. Later, he held positions such as Director of the Special Commodity Bureau of the Ministry of Finance and Deputy Director of the Customs Administration. After Japan's defeat in World War II, he served as a representative of the Chinese government to accept Japan's surrender in Vietnam. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, he successively served as a professor and department head at the Department of Economics, Nanjing University; Deputy Director of the Cultural Bureau of Jiangsu Province; Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee for the Protection of Cultural Relics; Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee for Library Affairs; and member of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPCC) for three consecutive terms. During this period, he authored works such as Famous Scenic Spots in Nanjing, A Brief History of the Chinese People's Struggle to Develop Taiwan and Resist Invasion, Zheng He, and Xuanzang's Journey to the West. In 1957, he was wrongfully labeled a rightist for criticizing the demolition of Nanjing's city walls. During the Cultural Revolution, he suffered further persecution and passed away in July 1968, unjustly accused. In December 1978, he was posthumously vindicated. For a detailed list of his works, see the Bibliography section of this volume. The words of his father were correct—history has finally proven the errors of that period. People have once again come to remember him, and articles recalling or commemorating him have frequently appeared in newspapers and magazines. We are grateful to those predecessors and peers who have always been concerned about the publication of his works. It was their care and advocacy that enabled his books to be republished or reissued in succession. For this new edition, titled Bygone Imperial Capital, we have collected three of his works on the imperial palaces of Beijing.