Footprints of History: Famous Figures in the Turbulent Current of Time

Author: Guo Cunxiu Zhou Wenjie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: To dwell in the world's proper place, to stand in the world's upright position, to act in the world's great way. If one achieves success, to follow the people; if one fails, to walk one's own path. Wealth cannot corrupt, poverty cannot move, and power cannot bend—this is what is called a great man.—Mencius, "Teng Wen Gong Xia"
It is said that Harvard and Yale Colleges once had a position for a Chinese language instructor, but it was discontinued due to a lack of students.—Wu Tingfang
Diligent and conscientious, he has now completed his duties. The external expenses, including transportation, entertainment, and rewards, were managed with consideration for the attention of foreign observers, so he could not be too frugal, lest it arouse disdain from others.—He Shouren
Time slips away unnoticed in the long river of life. Now, we are already many years past the age of seventy, and physical limitations leave us somewhat weary. Yet, reflecting on past journeys and present encounters, we feel there is much worth remembering and writing about. The poet sage Du Fu once said, "Read ten thousand books until you can write as if inspired by the gods." That was true for others, but for us, it is unattainable. However, loving books has been a joy throughout our lives. We enjoy browsing bookstores, spending time in libraries, and searching archives, paying special attention to collecting primary sources, striving to find original archives, and often visiting elderly witnesses or knowledgeable individuals, including descendants of renowned figures. We always try to unearth sleeping "treasures" to provide little-known or often overlooked stories of joy and sorrow from the past. We believe "there is gold in books" because they truly contain the "medicine" for our writing.
Do you know who was China's first modern comprador? Do you know who was the first Chinese professor appointed by Harvard University? Do you know which are the four great female talents of China? Do you know the relationship between Eileen Chang and Hu Shih? Through this book, you will uncover the answers to these questions one by one.