Footprints of History (Famous People in the Turbulent Current of History)

Author: Guo Cunxiu, Zhou Wenjie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: To reside in the world's proper place, to stand in the world's upright position, and to act in the world's great way. If one achieves success, to follow the people; if one fails, to pursue one's own path. Wealth cannot corrupt, poverty cannot move, and power cannot bend—this is what is called a great man. —Mencius, "Teng Wen Gong Xia"
It is said that Harvard and Yale once offered a position for a Chinese language instructor, but it was discontinued due to a lack of students. —Wu Tingfang
Diligent and conscientious, he has now completed his duties. The external expenses, including transportation, entertainment, and rewards, were managed with consideration for international prestige, avoiding both extravagance and stinginess, to prevent any appearance of disdain from foreigners. —He Shouren
Time slips away unnoticed in the long river of life. Now, we are already many years past the age of seventy, and physical limitations leave us somewhat weary. However, reflecting on the journey of the past and the collisions of the present, we feel there is much worth reminiscing and writing about. The poet sage Du Fu once said, "Read ten thousand books until you can write as if inspired by the gods." That was true, but for us, it is unattainable. Nevertheless, loving books has been a joy throughout our lives. We often visit bookstores, spend time in libraries, and search archives, paying special attention to collecting first-hand materials, striving to find original archives, and frequently meeting elderly witnesses or knowledgeable individuals, including descendants of renowned figures. We always try to uncover the sleeping "treasures" to provide little-known or often overlooked stories of joy and sorrow from the past. We believe "there is gold in books" because they truly contain the "medicine" for our writing.
Do you know who was China's first modern comprador? Do you know who was the first Chinese professor appointed by Harvard University? Do you know which are the four great female talents of China? Do you know the relationship between Eileen Chang and Hu Shih? Through this book, you will uncover the answers to all these mysteries.