Essays in Jade Dust (Selected Prose of Modern Chinese Masters)

Author: Zhao Lihong, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Chinese literature in the 20th century can be described as turbulent, colorful, and diverse. The hardships and twists of the Chinese nation over this century, as well as the ups and downs and chaos of life, are reflected in literary works, creating a vibrant and multifaceted garden. The outstanding literary works of an era should be the crystallization of wisdom, emotion, and conscience of that time. By this standard, 20th-century essays are truly worth recommending to readers. Over the past century, many once-prominent writings have gradually been forgotten or abandoned, but those essays that depicted historical and social truths and showcased the true personalities of the authors have maintained their vitality, lingering through the ages and nurtured by generations of readers. Therefore, in the 21st century, introducing 20th-century essays to young readers will still move them and resonate with them. This is because the vitality of these essays is built upon the essence of "truth," and their creativity and imagination in writing are also worth for contemporary readers.
There are already many anthologies of 20th-century essays, and this one may reflect my personal preferences or be somewhat arbitrary in selection. However, the writings included have moved and inspired me, and I believe they will not disappoint readers. Of course, such a large-scale anthology cannot fully showcase the achievements of 20th-century essays—it is merely a drop in the ocean, a small corner of the vast garden. Inevitably, there will be omissions, but I hope readers can catch a glimpse of the broader and richer landscape of 20th-century Chinese essays through this anthology.
Chinese literature in the 20th century can be described as turbulent, colorful, and diverse. The hardships and twists of the Chinese nation over this century, as well as the ups and downs and chaos of life, are reflected in literary works, creating a vibrant and multifaceted garden. The outstanding literary works of an era should be the crystallization of wisdom, emotion, and conscience of that time. By this standard, 20th-century essays are truly worth recommending to readers. Over the past century, many once-prominent writings have gradually been forgotten or abandoned, but those essays that depicted historical and social truths and showcased the true personalities of the authors have maintained their vitality, lingering through the ages and nurtured by generations of readers. Therefore, in the 21st century, introducing 20th-century essays to young readers will still move them and resonate with them. This is because the vitality of these essays is built upon the essence of "truth," and their creativity and imagination in writing are also worth for contemporary readers.
There are already many anthologies of 20th-century essays, and this one may reflect my personal preferences or be somewhat arbitrary in selection. However, the writings included have moved and inspired me, and I believe they will not disappoint readers. Of course, such a large-scale anthology cannot fully showcase the achievements of 20th-century essays—it is merely a drop in the ocean, a small corner of the vast garden. Inevitably, there will be omissions, but I hope readers can catch a glimpse of the broader and richer landscape of 20th-century Chinese essays through this anthology.