Modern Interpretation of Gou Wu Culture

Author: Wu Enpei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-01
Features: Dual traces of history and culture, analysis of the civilization and cultural background of the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins during the southward migration of Taibo and Zhongyong, etc. Culture is the root system of a nation. Today, as Jiangsu proposes to build a cultural powerhouse, we aim to contribute to the study of Jiangsu's traditional history and culture, help delve into the rich cultural heritage of Jiangsu, and subtly influence the humanities thinking of college students and young readers. We have always paid close attention to academic monographs on regional culture in Jiangsu. At the end of 2001, we learned that a professor in Suzhou, who had made significant achievements in the study of Wu culture, had written a manuscript on Wu culture research. We immediately showed great interest in the manuscript. By the end of the year, when we went to Suzhou to organize the manuscript, we had the opportunity to meet the author. During our conversation with the author, we were quickly captivated by the content of the manuscript, and we became particularly interested in the historical transformation of the ancient state of Gouwu—its rise, glory, and fall during the Spring and Autumn Period, more than 2,000 years ago, when it held an important position as a vassal state. We were also deeply interested in the development of Wu culture during this historical period. Historical figures like Taibo, King Shoumeng of Wu, King Helü of Wu, King Fuchai of Wu, Wu Zixu, and Sun Tzu stood vividly before us, as if crossing through time to bring us to the ancient battlefield of the Wu-Yue conflict. However, during the editing process of the manuscript, the author's sacred love for his homeland was evident in every word. As society's guides people in their pursuit of "money" and "benefits," the author remained "rooted in his study, setting aside the chaotic external and emotional world," engaging in cultural exploration and academic research with the philosophy of "holding a living value concern" and "passionate about cultural inheritance and innovation." This spirit deeply moved and impressed us. After numerous setbacks, the book "Modern Interpretation of Gouwu Culture" has finally been published by Southeast University Press. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Gouwu culture was an ancient culture that covered the entire Jiangsu region. At that time, it had already joined China's traditional regional cultural system and interacted with and blended with other cultures of the time, such as Chu culture, Qi culture, Lu culture, and Jin culture, becoming an important regional culture in China's Spring and Autumn Period. "Modern Interpretation of Gouwu Culture" is an academic monograph that provides a panoramic study of Gouwu culture. From an overall research perspective, it offers a multi-dimensional and interdisciplinary modern interpretation of Gouwu culture during the Spring and Autumn Period. The content of the book covers various aspects of the Wu region during the Spring and Autumn Period, including politics, economy, language, literature, art, and folklore. Professors Lin Fei of the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Fang Hanwen of Soochow University, who wrote prefaces for the book, both gave high praise to the manuscript. We have specially invited Professor Wang Changjun of Nanjing Normal University to review the entire manuscript. In his review comments, Professor Wang Changjun more clearly pointed out: "Modern Interpretation of Gouwu Culture (by Wu Enpei) systematically organizes and interprets Gouwu culture based on ancient Chinese literature, holding high academic value. Although there are already many works on Wu culture research, few treatises possess such rich historical materials. Especially valuable is the author's cultural perspective, which touches the depths of history. Among all works studying Gouwu, this book is one of the most in-depth and holds high publishing value." Wu culture research is thriving in Jiangsu. Due to its long history, some academic issues remain highly debated and involve multiple regions within Jiangsu (Nanjing, Xuzhou, Zhenjiang, Changzhou, Wuxi, etc.). We are publishing this book to provide scholars and readers with a systematic and in-depth study of Wu culture during the Spring and Autumn Period. It aims to help readers better understand Jiangsu and its regional history and culture, while also serving as a reference and basis for researchers in the field to promote academic progress.