Headline: China's Editorial Note

Author: Gu Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: The publication of a first issue marks the emergence of a group of outstanding talents, accompanied by the mournful cries of the righteous and the spirit of relentless perseverance. The renowned sinologist Ji Xianlin once said, "Nostalgia can purify the soul." The older a newspaper or magazine becomes, the rarer it becomes, and the more valuable it is. First issues of publications are truly rare treasures, representing an important category in newspaper and magazine collecting. They possess distinct characteristics of their time and serve as physical records of historical contexts. Thus, the prefaces that accompany first issues in gaining fame and value are even more precious. First issues are invaluable, often distinguished by the authorship of their prefaces. Reading these prefaces is like hearing the declaration of a bygone era. In these declarations, some may be formulaic or slogan-like, but more often, they blend art and thought. Among them, there are echoes that are both bold and delicate, as if listening to the oars of boats on the Qinhuai River. Others evoke a profound and melancholic beauty, reminiscent of scenes like "shattered hooves, mournful bugles, and a blood-red sunset." At the same time, we can also discover the unique voices of each era, each extraordinary and resonant. If it is said that "Yan and Zhao have always been home to men of," then the prefaces in this book, which we hold in high regard, come from authors who are already "unseen by the ancients and unknown to the future."