Booker's True Colors: A Biography of Hu Shih

Author: Zhu Xiaojiang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-12-01
Features: Hu Shi was a pioneer of the New Culture Movement in 20th-century China. He published On the Improvement of Literature and vigorously advocated vernacular Chinese and biographical literature during the movement. Hu Shi not only influenced the course of China's literary history as a great writer but also profoundly impacted the development of modern Chinese history with his pursuit of democracy and freedom. His misfortunes in politics deeply evoked sympathy and reflection from later generations. This book compiles the life, historical background, and works and thoughts of Hu Shi in different periods, providing a platform for literary enthusiasts to understand him.
This book introduces the life and deeds of Hu Shi, a significant figure in China's New Culture Movement of the 20th century. From his childhood exposure to family literature to his studies in Shanghai during his youth, his struggles and awakening during his time in the United States, his frenzied advocacy in the New Culture Movement, his "unbearable new efforts" in politics, his reluctant departure from Peking University, his difficult life abroad, his spiritual torment under criticism from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, to his eventual return to Taiwan and his relentless pursuit of democracy and freedom in politics—until his sudden death from heart disease. Hu Shi's life experienced the naivety of childhood, the confusion of youth, the awakening and struggle in the revolutionary era, and the tragic fate of a scholar engaged in politics. Through this, one can see the upright and resilient character of Hu Shi as a great literary figure, as well as the selfless and determined political ideals of the youth, literary workers, and "scholars" who were passionate about building democracy and freedom in China during the New Culture Movement. It also reflects the common misfortunes and awkwardness of Chinese intellectuals on the political stage.
The book is divided into ten sections, covering: Introduction, Childhood, Shanghai-Taipei-Anhui, "Early Training" and "Book Talks," A Fresh World in Vernacular Novels, Atheist; Studying in Shanghai, Advancing Four Grades, A Trendy Youth in Shanghai, The Competitive Weekly, China's New Public School; Seven Years in the United States, Darkness Before Dawn, A New Atmosphere Abroad, Following Interests, Forced onto the Spotlight; The Fierce Rush, A Breeze Stirring the Spring Waters, Professor at Peking University, China's Cultural Renaissance, Organizing National Classics and "Killing Ghosts"; Scholarly Politics, "Politics is My Unbearable New Effort," Journey Through Europe, Human Rights Debates Under the Shadow of The Crescent, Independent Spirit; Ambassador to the United States, A Small Soldier Crossing the River, Traveling Ten Thousand Miles and Giving a Hundred Lectures, "Tung Oil Loans" and "Yunnan Tin Loans," Resignation; President of Peking University, Return to the Country, President of Peking University, Almost Becoming "President," Departure from the University, Going Abroad; A Wandering Soul, Baby-Sitter in an Apartment, Birthday Resolution, Criticized by Both Sides of the Taiwan Strait; Return to Taiwan, President of the Academia Sinica, The Free China Case, The Last Lecture, Brief Chronology of Hu Shi's Life, Afterword.