My friend Hu Shih... (Impressions of Modern Cultural Figures)

Author: Wen Yuanning
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: A collection of contemporary Chinese celebrity biographies from the Spring and Autumn and Bavarian periods, which infuriated many while also leaving some in stitches. Those who have read Mr. Wen's works can easily recognize his vibrant and lively pen in every line, with pithy and insightful quotes flowing endlessly like ink blossoms scattered by a casual brush. The original of the letter (Qian Zhongshu) was written by Wen Yuanning, while the translation was done by Nan Xing. If one were to use classical Chinese idioms to describe it, it would truly be a match made in heaven. — Zhang Zhongxing
This book includes Nan Xing's translation of "Half-Known World" and the translated versions of Wen Yuanning's English reviews from the 1930s, which encompass critiques of modern English and American poetry, appreciations of Chinese painting, and recommendations for British prose collections. Although some translations are somewhat rough, they are still sufficient to glimpse Wen Yuanning's multifaceted academic achievements. It is worth noting that Wen Yuanning is known to be the earliest person to introduce the great poet T.S. Eliot and the renowned novelist D.H. Lawrence to the Chinese public, a contribution that cannot be overstated.
The appendix includes Lin Yutang's translations of "Wu Mi" and "Hu Shi Zhi," for comparison with Nan Xing's versions. It also features Qian Zhongshu's book review "Not Yet a True Friend," Zhang Zhongxing's preface to the Yue Lu edition of "Half-Known World," and Huang Jundong's "Incomplete Understanding," all of which offer a glimpse into the influence of "Half-Known World" across different historical periods.