World Classics Series (38 volumes)

Author: Zhang Zhaohui, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-02-01
Features: "The Great Series of World Classics" is a remarkable book that gathers the cream of names, classic works, and timeless brilliance. This series selects 26 dazzling stars from the millennia-old treasure trove of world culture, compiled into 26 volumes, 38 books, and millions of words. They include novels, poetry, fables, academic monographs, and many other formats, covering the works of over 20 world-renowned literary giants and academic luminaries from 10 culturally advanced countries across different historical periods in the UK, France, Russia, the United States, Italy, Spain, and more. It encompasses both the philosophical debates of ancient Greece and the social utopias of the Middle Ages; the early rise of humanism during the Renaissance, as well as the origins of realism and romanticism in the 18th and 19th centuries; the modern Western of the 20th century and the Soviet literature that developed in specific historical stages. With high achievement, great value, and widespread influence, these works either represent a literary school, pioneer a trend, or establish a unique perspective, profoundly impacting both contemporary and modern society. They are an important part of world civilization and a significant legacy of human culture.
For China to integrate into the world, it must first enable its people to understand the world. The general view holds that Western civilization is the driving force behind humanity's modernization. To the Chinese, the essence of modern Western civilization is industrial civilization, "strong ships and powerful guns," such as IBM, Microsoft, and Intel, often overlooking the profound cultural foundations of the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and socialist utopianism. As a result, whether it was the "Self-Strengthening Movement," "Three Principles of the People," "Self-Reliance," or the "Westernization Drive," none truly enabled China to integrate into the world and achieve civilization and prosperity.
We advocate that the Chinese people understand the world, but more importantly, understand its cultural background. World classics are the best embodiment of civilization because a single book often reflects the spirit of an era. This is also one of the purposes behind editing and publishing this series.