When the knight-errant roams - The literati and scholars of modern China (Academic Forum Topic 01)

Author: Chen Pingyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The collected essays in this book offer some professional insights, differing from biographies written by the authors. However, the intended readers remain the general public. As a result, the focus is on the spiritual, temperament, and interests of the figures, rather than their political or academic achievements. The book aims to bring many interesting and spirited scholars and writers out of their professional circles, allowing the public to appreciate and admire them. This is the modest ambition of this work. As for expanding the scope of "The Wanderers of the Past" from the late Qing-era Kang Youwei and Zhang Taiyan to the recently deceased Jin Kemu and Cheng Qianfan, it is because I firmly believe that my esteemed mentors, with whom I had the privilege to study, also deserve appreciation and reflection from future generations.
The author, in the form of essays, guides readers back to the historical scene. Addressing the general readership, the book profiles 21 renowned figures and masters, delineating the unique spirits, temperaments, interests, and personal charm of 21 prominent scholars and masters active in the fields of thought, culture, and academia over the past century.
The last "King’s Teacher" would like to find a reason to explain the origin of writing this book. The 140th anniversary of its birth? Too early; the 70th anniversary of its death? Also too early. The Hundred Days’ Reform was the pinnacle of Kang Youwei’s (1858–1927) life’s work, making it an opportune time to write an article. Unfortunately, the centennial commemoration cannot be advanced. The memorial letter on the "carriage of the officials" did occur in 1895, marking the symbol of Kang Youwei’s official entry onto the political stage. Let many interesting and spirited scholars and writers, step out of their professional circles, so that the public can appreciate and admire them.