I and Mr. Hu Shih

Author: Zhou Ruchang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-12
Features: This book has three major highlights: First, the first-ever publication of the complete correspondence between the redology master Zhou Ruchang and the great scholar Hu Shih, featuring a wealth of authentic materials, photographs, book illustrations, and historical narratives; Second, the author's recollections of his interactions with Hu Shih, Gu Su, Yu Pingbo, Tao Xinru, Zhang Bochu, Wen Huisha, Zhou Cezong, and Pan Zhonggui, offering glimpses into the splendid moments of many distinguished scholars; Third, a color facsimile of a rare collectible edition, with exquisite binding, accompanied by precious autographs of Zhou Ruchang, Zhou Guchang, and Hu Shih, as well as simulated original letters. The book's calm and concise text outlines the author's rich academic journey, with its subtle narrative imbued with the flavors of history and life, reflecting the moral inspiration and spiritual legacy of the predecessors and successors. Although he (Hu Shih) has long been laid to rest, his typical smile of "my friend" still lingers vividly in memory. -- Ji Xianlin
Among the benevolent and kind-hearted elders I have encountered in my life, there are few who have been as generous and considerate to a young person as he was. -- Zhou Ruchang
This book recounts the interactions between the redology master Zhou Ruchang and the great scholar Hu Shih. In December 1947, a short essay by the modest student Zhou Ruchang on the Dream of the Red Chamber was published in the Tianjin Minjun Daily. At the time, Hu Shih, the president of Peking University, wrote to Zhou Ruchang, a stranger to him, initiating a legendary chapter in the history of redology that would later spark the vibrant movement of the New Redology. This also marked the beginning of Zhou Ruchang's lifelong dedication to redology. Throughout their exchanges, Hu Shih's encouragement of the younger generation and his earnest inquiries left a deep impression on Zhou Ruchang, who, in turn, studied diligently and held the belief that "I love my teacher even more than the truth."
In 1953, Zhou Ruchang's New Evidence of the Dream of the Red Chamber was published. Hu Shih, who was overseas at the time, actively sought out the book, saying, "Zhou Ruchang is my most promising and accomplished disciple in redology." Regarding the "criticism of Hu" in the 1950s, Zhou Ruchang felt guilty, but Hu Shih remained unfazed, repeatedly defending him. The book heartfeltly reflects the talents and scholarly demeanor of figures such as Tao Xinru, Gu Su, Zhang Bochu, Wen Huisha, Zhou Cezong, and Pan Zhonggui. It also presents the correspondence between Zhou Ruchang and Hu Shih, accompanied by a wealth of images, essays, and book illustrations to reveal the true nature of history. At the age of 88, Zhou Ruchang calmly recounts the literary camaraderie of scholars during turbulent times, with his subtle narrative embodying the many facets of history and life, as well as the moral inspiration and spiritual legacy of the academic generation.