Author: Wen Rumin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-17
Features: Featuring the "Swan Song" and the "Backbone of the Middle Rank," this book showcases the collective brilliance of the contemporary Chinese literature faculty at Peking University. With eloquent and diverse styles, the lectures explore literature and life, inspiring us on how to read good books well. It takes you on a journey through the peaks of Chinese literature over a century, from Lu Xun and Shen Congwen to Bei Dao and Hai Zi, revealing how to live a fulfilling life.
The fifteen lectures in Peking University Literary Lectures were compiled from recordings of a semester-long course in the fall and winter of 2002. The content covers classic writers such as Lu Xun, Zhou Zuoren, Mao Dun, Shen Congwen, Qian Zhongshu, Mu Dan, Eileen Chang, Wang Zengqi, Wang Meng, and Hai Zi. The lineup of instructors is also impressive, representing a collective appearance of the distinguished faculty in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Peking University, both retired and active scholars. Among them are renowned retired professors like Yan Jiayan, Le Daiyun, Qian Liqun, Sun Yishi, and Hong Zicheng, as well as seasoned and emerging scholars such as Wen Rumin, Chen Pingyuan, Shang Jinlin, Zhang Yiwu, Han Yuhai, Kong Qingdong, Wu Xiaodong, Wang Feng, and Jiang Tao.
Each lecture in Peking University Literary Lectures is systematically organized with hierarchical titles and abstracts. Additionally, it features dynamic and engaging sub-sections, including introductions to authors and works, biographies of the lecturers, extended readings, excerpts from original texts, annotations, and highlights. This design allows readers to grasp the essence of the lectures even if they don’t have time to read the original classics. The extended readings provide essential resources for those interested in delving deeper into the classics and exploring related topics. Concise annotations serve as supplements, explaining influential figures such as Hu Shi, Zhu Ziqing, Wen Yiduo, Lin Yutang, Fei Ming, and Wang Yao, as well as global giants like Ibsen, Tagore, and T.S. Eliot, who are indispensable in modern Chinese literature and often beyond the scope of classroom discussions.
By reading this book, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the development of modern and contemporary literature, experience the charisma of the distinguished faculty at Peking University, learn different methods to appreciate literary masterpieces, and reflect on the insights and light literature brings to life. The book also preserves numerous valuable photographs, including scenes of Peking University’s campus, as well as images of the lecturers, stages, and memorabilia.