Speed Reading - Lao She Volume

Author: Jiang Ni (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-02-01
Features: This book is a part of the "Series of Quick Readings on Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literary Masters and Prominent Figures." It is reviewed by renowned scholars and writers and recommended by authoritative professors from Peking University.
Lao She (1899–1966) was a modern and contemporary Chinese writer. His original name was Shu Qingchun, courtesy name Sheyu, and he also used pen names such as Xuqing, Honglai, and Feiwo. He was a Manchu from Beijing and was born into a poor family. After graduating from Beijing Normal School in 1918, he served as a primary school principal and secondary school teacher. In 1924, he went to the United Kingdom to teach Chinese at the School of Oriental Studies, University of London. There, he read a large number of English works and engaged in fiction writing. In 1926, he joined the Literary Research Association. After returning to China in 1930, he taught at Tsinghua University in Jinan and Shandong University in Qingdao. When the War of Resistance against Japan broke out, he moved south to Hankou and Chongqing. In 1938, when the All-China Literary and Art Workers' Anti-Japanese Association was established, he was elected as a council member and director of the General Affairs Department, overseeing the daily operations of the association. In terms of his creative work, he wrote various forms of literary works with the theme of resisting Japan and saving the nation. In 1946, he was invited to the United States to teach for a year. After completing his term, he resided in the U.S. and continued his creative work. Shortly after the founding of the People's Republic of China, he was summoned back and served as Vice President of the Chinese Writers' Federation, Vice President of the Chinese Writers' Association, and Vice President of the Chinese Folk Literature Research Association. He participated in political, social, cultural, and foreign friendly exchange activities, paying attention to nurturing and guiding young literary workers. He was awarded the title of "People's Artist" for his outstanding play Dragon Gate. In the early stages of the "Cultural Revolution," he died under persecution.
Lao She wrote approximately 8 million words throughout his life. His major works include: the novels Philosophy of Lao Zhang, Zhao Ziyu, Two Horses, Cat City Chronicle, Divorce, Biography of Niu Tianci, Doctor Wen, Rickshaw Boy, Cremation, Four Generations Under One Roof, Storyteller of the Red Flag, and the unfinished Under the Red Banner; the novellas Crescent Moon and My Whole Life; the short story collections Collections of Gatherings, Collections of Cherry Sea, Collections of Clams and Seaweeds, Collections of Trains, and Collections of Anemia; the plays Dragon Gate and Teahouse, as well as Complete Works of Lao She, Essays of Lao She, Poetry Selections of Lao She, Literary Criticism of Lao She, and Collected Works of Lao She.
Lao She is renowned for his novels and plays. His works are mostly set in urban life, opening up an important thematic field for modern Chinese literature. The natural scenery, social customs, and colloquial language he depicts are deeply imbued with a strong "Beijing flavor." His outstanding novels, such as Rickshaw Boy and Four Generations Under One Roof, are representative works depicting the lives of Beijing citizens. His short stories are meticulously crafted, with diverse themes. Notable examples include Liu Family Compound, Taking Office, and The Spirit-Snatching Gun, each offering unique charm and depth. His works have been translated into over 20 languages and have won a wide readership for their distinctive humorous style, rich national colors, and appeal to both refined and popular tastes.