China Literature Series (Qian Mu Works)

Author: Qian Mu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
Features: Qian Mu, a renowned scholar in humanities and literature, often approaches literary discussions from the perspective of cultural and intellectual thought, emphasizing broad perspectives and comprehensive integration. The book contains thirty or so essays, ranging from "Three Hundred Ancient Poems" to modern Chinese literature. It includes both textual research and critical reviews. Each essay presents different ideas, lengths, and styles, written spontaneously rather than in a continuous narrative. However, by reading them collectively, one can discern the evolution of Chinese literature throughout history, as well as the author's deep insights and criteria for judgment regarding the characteristics of Chinese literature and the strengths and weaknesses of various eras, styles, and individual writers.
This book was first published in the spring of 1962. It was compiled from lecture drafts on Chinese literature from various places over the preceding few years, along with some personal notes. The original title was "Lectures on Chinese Literature," containing nearly sixteen essays. Later, additional works were added, and the book was revised and renamed "Essays on Chinese Literature." Fourteen new essays were included in this revised edition. It has now been published again after more than two decades.
Reflecting on my youth, I had a deep passion for literature. Whenever I came across a poem or prose, I would often copy it by hand and recite it repeatedly until I memorized it thoroughly. However, when the Republic of China was established, the New Literature Movement rose swiftly, denouncing traditional literature while promoting modern literature, which became a prevailing trend of the time. My lifelong love for literature, however, made me a target of ridicule and resistance. Though my enthusiasm never waned, I could only enjoy it privately, cherishing it within my own home, without establishing a presence or expressing myself to challenge the prevailing tide. Yet, it was through this very approach that I managed to gain a superficial understanding of the "Four Treasuries" and a basic grasp of classics and history. My limited knowledge of ancient Chinese scholars and classic texts was nothing more than the entry point driven by my youthful love for literature—that is all.
Now that I am old and my eyes are dim, I have long since ceased to read books or engage with texts. The memories of what I once read and memorized have faded completely. Without any notable achievements in scholarship, all I have is the recollection of my past love for literature. Re-editing this book brings me immense shame and remorse.
Summer of 1983, at the age of eighty-nine, Qian Mu inscribed this preface at the Su Shu Lou in Shuangxi, outside the literary circles.