Light of Art

Author: Zhang Suihua, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-09-01
Features: "Messenger" Essence Series is a collection of books that combines cultural sophistication with readability, covering various aspects of human life and truly reflecting the magazine's commitment to seeking objective truth, free exchange of ideas, and the promotion of culture. The rich knowledge, sound concepts, and innovative thinking it contains will undoubtedly inspire readers. The series is divided into 12 volumes based on different themes or fields, including "World Famous Personalities," "Deities, Totems, and Beliefs," "Changes in the Media," "Urban Labyrinth," "A Century of Cinema," "Lonely Journey Across the World," "The Star Cluster of Humanity," "The Path to Freedom," "The Great Revolution and Utopia," "Yesterday and Today in the Family," "Stone, Culture, and Time," and "The Light of Art."
The contributors to this magazine are renowned experts and scholars in their respective fields, ensuring its authoritative nature. Despite being written by prominent figures, the content is accessible and engaging, free from academic jargon, making it both thought-provoking and captivating. Moreover, the same themes are often written by authors from different countries and "worlds," providing readers with diverse perspectives. For example, the series explores different attitudes toward the family in various cultures and societies, varying views on art, especially modern art, differing opinions on the French Revolution and human utopian ideals, contrasting understandings of media functions, and opposing views on the relationship between "sovereignty" and "human rights," highlighting the diversity of culture and thought—something unique to "Messenger" and unmatched by any other publication.
Due to financial difficulties, UNESCO ceased publishing "Messenger" in 2002. Recognizing the magazine's importance, seriousness, knowledgeability, and readability, China Foreign Translation Publishing Company has specially selected the essence of translations from its 21-year Chinese edition, organizing them into 12 volumes based on different fields for re-publication. "The Light of Art" is one such volume, showcasing the history and charm of art through four major aspects: sculpture, painting, music, and dance. It includes both classical treasures and modern gems, while also exploring avant-garde and controversial art issues, offering both aesthetic pleasure and intellectual stimulation.
The "Messenger" magazine, published by UNESCO, has a 54-year history and is available in 28 languages, distributed in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. It aims to promote international cooperation in education, science, and culture, as well as to foster peace, security, freedom, and cultural exchange. The Chinese edition of "Messenger" was launched in July 1980, translated and published in Beijing by China Foreign Translation Publishing Company under UNESCO's commission. As a major international publication, "Messenger" faithfully upholds UNESCO's principles, seeking objective truth, promoting free exchange of ideas and knowledge, and committed to the broad dissemination of culture. It serves as an effective platform for advocacy and education in the pursuit of justice, freedom, and peace.
The magazine extensively covers various issues in human society, spanning numerous scientific disciplines, using rich knowledge, sound concepts, and innovative thinking to help readers gain a more authentic and comprehensive understanding of humanity and foster mutual understanding. Given the importance, seriousness, knowledgeability, and readability of "Messenger," China Foreign Translation Publishing Company has specially selected the essence of translations from its 21-year Chinese edition to present it to a broader audience in the form of a series. The series is divided into 12 volumes based on major themes of humanity or different fields, striving to faithfully recreate the essence of "Messenger."
Over the past 21 years, the translators invited to work on the Chinese edition of "Messenger" have dedicated significant effort, and we sincerely express our gratitude to them. Due to financial constraints, UNESCO has decided to cease publishing "Messenger" since 2002, and the Chinese edition has accordingly been discontinued. This series is a tribute and summary of the Chinese edition of "Messenger," and we hope it is not the final chapter. May the "Messenger" of human peace and freedom always be with us!