Gaitian Gai Gui Gai Renjian

Author: Xia Yuanyu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Among the various styles of essays by prominent writers in Taiwan, there is a category that is relatively unfamiliar to us, namely, miscellaneous essays. Its representatives are Tang Lujun and Xia Yuanyu. The former, whose works such as The Story of Chinese Food published by Baihua Literature and Art Press received positive feedback; however, the latter's works are rarely seen in mainland China. Xia Yuanyu was born in 1909 in a typical scholarly family in Beijing. His father, Xia Zengyou, was a renowned scholar and a pioneer of modern literary reform. His older brother, Xia Yuanying, was a physics professor at Peking University and was commissioned by Cai Yuanpei to teach Einstein's theory of relativity in the early 1920s. Xia Yuanyu graduated from the Biology Department of Beijing Normal University and served as the director of the "Wanshengyuan" (now Beijing Zoo) in Beijing. Later, he dedicated himself to the study of animal specimen research. After turning 60, he put down his scalpel and devoted himself to writing, unexpectedly achieving fame that surpassed his professional career, becoming a master of miscellaneous essays and also hailed as the "Master of Humor." He passed away in 1995. This book is a selection of Xia Yuanyu's works, featuring the finest pieces of his writings on various topics. From discussing the world to exploring human life, he writes with ease. From folk tales to the complexities of society, from myths and legends to historical research, his scope is vast, and his pen brings everything to life, yet all are grounded in rigorous research, reflecting his meticulous creative attitude and solid expertise. His nickname, "Lao Gai Xian," accurately reflects his writing style. In the Taiwanese literary world, there are two extraordinary figures who are also close friends, considered a match made in heaven. One is Tang Lujun, and the other is Xia Yuanyu. The former, whose The Story of Chinese Food we have already read, shall be set aside for now; let us focus on the latter, the esteemed elder. Xia Yuanyu, known as "Lao Gai Xian," is originally from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and was born in old Beijing in 1909 in a typical scholarly family. He graduated from the Biology Department of Beijing Normal University and once served as the director of the "Wanshengyuan" (Beijing Zoo). Later, he dedicated himself to the study of animal specimen research. When he finally put down his scalpel and became a writer at the age of 60, he unexpectedly achieved fame that surpassed his professional career, becoming a master of miscellaneous essays and revered as the "Master of Humor." As the saying goes, "A master reveals their skill at first glance." "Lao Gai Xian" possesses profound expertise, effortlessly covering topics from folk tales and societal phenomena to myths and historical research. His readers are captivated, their horizons broadened, and they can't help but laugh out loud. In reality, however, his writing required immense effort. He delved into ancient texts, conducted thorough research, simplified complexity, and made profound knowledge accessible. The "Gai" in "Gai Xian" indeed has its roots. Mr. Liang Shiqiu praised his writings as "flowing from his heart," "lighthearted in style," and "appreciating the solid content."