Old Stories at Sea

Author: Jiang Longfei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Memory is essential for humanity. Archives are the authentic records of various practical activities in human society and important historical and cultural heritage. This series, the latest research achievements of experts and scholars in China's archival studies, opens the door to memory from new perspectives and multiple viewpoints, revealing little-known stories in the field of archives—highly readable archival reference materials. This book was written by the author over more than a decade, meticulously collecting and studying archival materials. It discloses the details of the governance of Wu Guozheng, the last mayor of Shanghai during the Republic of China period, the reasons for the demise of the "Greater Shanghai Metropolitan Plan," as well as many little-known historical events and figures such as the kidnapping case of Zhang Boqiu and the 1948 Shanghai dance prohibition. Although these are mere "leftover pieces" of history, these archival materials are very interesting and rich in content, with both substance and depth, making them extremely engaging to read. As the author puts it, the archival materials he selected "should have a story to tell, allowing me to enter into them emotionally, and enabling others to empathize deeply. It should be easy to engage with, without any barriers or awkwardness. The only thing that matters is authenticity, including both concrete and logical authenticity."