Classics of Chinese Biographies for a Century

Author: Xiao Guanhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-07-01
Features: This book is the fourth volume of "The Classics of Biographies in China's Hundred Years," featuring 10 classic biographical works published since the 1960s. These works are mostly memoirs written by cultural figures such as political activists, writers, revolutionaries, and diplomats who experienced the trials of the 20th century in their later years. With their profound wisdom, they recreate the dramatic changes and tumultuous lives of history. Among them, "Eighty Years" is the nearly century-long track of activities left by the famous political activist Huang Yanpei, who "wrote with his own observations, actions, and a straight account of right and wrong." "Recollections of Zhou Zhitang" records some small anecdotes during major historical events from the perspective of the unfortunate literary master Zhou Zuoren, with a calm, detached, and observing tone, revealing his intimate and natural, flowing prose style. "Recollections of Gu Weijun" is a modern history of Chinese diplomacy left by the world-renowned diplomat Gu Weijun using the method of "oral history." Additionally, "The Road I Have Walked" by Mr. Mao Dun and "Record of a Lazy Search for Old Dreams" by Mr. Xia Yan document the cultural "crackdown" and "counter-crackdown" of 1934 and the fluctuations of the left-wing literary scene in the 10 years, making them extremely important historical materials in the history of modern Chinese culture. Furthermore, Mr. Feng Youlan's "Autobiographical Preface to Three Pines Hall" and Mr. Chen Baichen's "Diary from the Bull Pen" record and reflect the historical tragedy brought by the cultural catastrophe of the "Cultural Revolution" through their personal experiences. Each work in this book is accompanied by insightful comments added by the editor for reference.