Childhood and Hometown

Author: (Norwegian) Gullbrandson
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Preface by Wu Langxi: Onaf Gullbrandson was born in Oslo, the capital of Norway, in 1873. After turning twenty, he went to Munch to work as an editor for the comic magazine SIMPLICISSIMUS and never left. He is one of the most outstanding cartoonists of the modern era. Childhood and Hometown was published in 1934 and is a record of his childhood life. The book consists of forty essays and two hundred illustrations, vividly depicting his childhood, family, school, military service, first love, and mischievous adventures, while also touching on the nature and wildlife of Northern Europe, as well as the rustic and untamed life of the farmers. Both the illustrations and the text have a unique style. I am deeply fond of Gullbrandson’s works and believe it is necessary to introduce them to the Chinese people. In 1936, when I edited the monthly magazine Comic Life, I introduced Gullbrandson’s political cartoons and translated a portion of this book, publishing it in the magazine. Later, Comic Life was forced to cease publication, and the translation work was discontinued. Today, comics play a very important role in educating and advocating among the masses, having become the people’s own weapon. By introducing Gullbrandson’s works once again and presenting this book to the readers, I have fulfilled a part of my long-held wish. The translation of this book was carefully proofread and corrected by Mr. Zhuang Xiaohui, to whom I extend my sincere gratitude. Furthermore, the original text of this book was handwritten by Gullbrandson and printed. Now, Mr. Feng Zikai, out of his love for this book, has devoted his precious time and effort to writing about it, adding even more charm to the book. I am particularly grateful to Mr. Feng Zikai. This book was first published in 1934, when the author was already sixty-one years old. In the book, he vividly and amusingly describes his childhood, family, first love, and other life stories, while also touching on the nature, wildlife, and rustic life of Northern Europe. Feng Zikai believes: "Gullbrandson’s paintings are deeply rooted in realism yet enhanced with exaggeration, allowing him to vividly capture the postures of people and landscapes. His text is close to prose poetry and is also very lively. He skillfully combines painting and text to present the highlights of his early years in his hometown. In some places, the text and illustrations intertwine, making it impossible to distinguish which is the main focus. This artistic expression is unique and highly interesting. It can be said to be a special form of comic strip."