New Century Dictionary of Foreign Literature

Author: Wang Fengzhen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-12-01
Features: Preface The 20th century is drawing to a close, and the dawn of the 21st century has already appeared on the horizon. Looking back at the foreign literature of the 20th century, it can be said without exaggeration that it is diverse and ever-changing. Whether in literary thought or creative methods, the 20th century has experienced profound and unprecedented transformation and development. Various schools of thought and literary trends have frequently alternated, with different styles and methods coexisting and flourishing, forming a vibrant scene characterized by diversity and pluralism. Understanding and drawing lessons from 20th-century foreign literature plays an important role in China's cultural accumulation and spiritual civilization construction. However, this is a systematic project that requires the concerted efforts of all parties. Among these, the most important is the construction of fundamental knowledge of 20th-century foreign literature. In light of this, we have compiled this New Comprehensive Dictionary of 20th-Century Foreign Literature. The greatest feature of this dictionary is its comprehensiveness, novelty, and accuracy. These are also the goals we strive to achieve in compiling it. The dictionary includes over 12,000 entries on writers, critics, literary schools, literary groups, literary periodicals, literary awards, and related topics from 178 countries and regions. It covers both globally renowned writers and critics, as well as those less known internationally but considered important within their own countries. To date, among the dictionaries on 20th-century foreign literature published in China, this one can be said to be the most comprehensive. During the compilation process, we have made every effort to use the newest available materials. For some information that could not be found domestically, we went to great lengths to collect it through academic exchanges abroad or sought assistance from friends overseas. As a result, this dictionary not only includes works published by some writers in the 1980s and 1990s but also features writers who emerged or were reevaluated during that decade. Even for established writers, we have strived to enrich their entries with more up-to-date information. The contributors to the entries in this dictionary are primarily experts and scholars from the Institute of Foreign Literature of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, representing various languages. At the same time, we have benefited from the concerted efforts of colleagues from universities, central government agencies, and research institutions. All entries are written as much as possible based on original sources from the relevant countries and regions. When it becomes necessary to use materials in other languages, we have made every effort to find additional references to ensure accuracy. The entries in this dictionary are arranged by country and region, with separate sections for literary schools and literary awards. Influential works are listed with reference entries. Experts who have reviewed this dictionary believe that it is a valuable reference tool for researchers of foreign literature in China, writers, translators, journalists, literary editors, and faculty and students in universities and colleges. Its rich knowledge and detailed information also make it suitable for a broader audience of general literature enthusiasts. Mr. Zhang Yinglun was one of the initiators of this dictionary and contributed significantly in its early stages, though his work was interrupted due to his move abroad. Here, we express our deep gratitude to him. One of the chief editors of this dictionary, Comrade Hu Zhanzhen, who made major contributions, unfortunately passed away due to illness before the completion of the preliminary draft. On the occasion of its publication, we extend our heartfelt condolences and respect to her. Due to limitations in our expertise and available materials, this dictionary is bound to have shortcomings, and there may even be omissions or errors. We sincerely hope that our readers will point out any flaws for correction. Wang Fengzhen, Li Jingduan, Yan Yongxing, Lin Yian, Jin Zhiping, Gao Zhongfu June 1998