Zhang Chengzhi's Prose (Illustrated Treasures of Chinese Prose)

Author: Zhang Chengzhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: The exquisite prose and beautiful illustrations complement each other, making it both a masterpiece for appreciation and a fine choice for collection and gifting. Chinese prose has a long and profound history. Over thousands of years of prose creation, whether expressing emotions, stating intentions, depicting landscapes, or remembering people, it has reflected the changes of the times and the thoughts and feelings of the people. In the new literature of the 20th century, these fine traditions of Chinese prose were not only fully inherited but also continuously innovated and developed. To showcase the achievements of Chinese prose creation since the 20th century, we edited and published the "Treasures of Chinese Prose" in the early days of the new century, totaling thirty volumes. Five years have passed, and on this basis, we have meticulously compiled this "Illustrated Treasures of Chinese Prose," consisting of sixteen volumes. After further selection, this series not only adds over 50,000 new words to each volume but also accompanies them with precious photographs reflecting the authors' life journeys. Truly, the exquisite prose and beautiful illustrations complement each other, making it both a masterpiece for appreciation and a fine choice for collection and gifting.
Zhang Chengzhi's prose is bold and unrestrained, for it is a battle cry of his struggle. He does not pay attention to the color of the words but relies entirely on the spread of his passion to support it. Therefore, every word, sentence, and cry in his writing is scorching. Such writing, like long iron nails driven into thick wood, concentrates its penetration in every blow to the soul. Reading Zhang Chengzhi's words brings a soul-stirring shock, an experience that is both thrilling and profound. His prose, especially the night talks or monologues of the lone traveler, directly touches the essence of life, the bones of the soul, rather than the gentle comfort and pleasure derived from stroking the flesh. Reading Zhang Chengzhi, the heart does not remain calm, and the mind does not become hazy—therefore, one must read!
Zhang Chengzhi's words recall the fleeting days of the grasslands, one after another. It can be said that each of his essays is a day on the grasslands, and the black steed embodies Zhang Chengzhi's grassland emotions. From the grasslands of Inner Mongolia to the mountains and waters of Xinjiang, and to the ethnic group he deeply loves, he expresses his love for the people and the land. Zhang Chengzhi's writing deeply and calmly expresses himself, with his gaze seemingly focused only on the lives and thoughts of the common people. In essence, Zhang Chengzhi is gradually paying attention to the justice and conscience that cannot be expressed within the human heart. Note that he pays attention to every person, but he uses the symbols of the common people. After decades of effort, he tries to correctly express that the common people are, in fact, our center. Now, what I feel is that there is no center. If there is, it is the conscience that exists in nature, the universe, and the infinite. The conflict between ideals and reality is a struggle that exacts a painful price. True singing cannot take place on a stage, and words that truly come from the heart cannot be widely shared. Today, everyone knows the lies, and everyone writes and speaks them, using them as masks, while the truth hides in the Gobi Desert. We pass through it, and there it seems to have only sand, rocks, and desolation. But when we step off the track and begin to walk under the snow-capped peaks, in the mountains of the Qilian Range, we will easily discover that there are mountains and rivers there, where greenery flows and the harmony of heaven and humanity lives.
A rich and beautiful civilization has infused strength into my frail body. From the soles of my feet sunk in mud to the of my inner vision. I know that this knowledge and its norms are not only the sword of profit but also a reliable shield. After wandering in academia for many years, I first experienced my love for knowledge and the urgent desire to learn. But gradually, the classroom has long been replaced by the mountains and frontiers, and the ranks of classmates and teachers have also been filled with farmers and herdsmen.