Selected Essays of Contemporary American Literature

Author: Qi Tao Hua (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: The translation of "Essay" is generally essays, prose, sketches, and short pieces, perhaps because its connotation and extension in English are somewhat ambiguous. Maybe this is also where its charm lies. This collection is titled "Selected Essays of Contemporary American Prose." It should be noted that the "prose" here is not the narrow sense of lyrical or narrative prose in Chinese, but a more flexible and broad concept or writing style. The "prose" collected here almost every piece has narrative, lyrical elements, and details about trivial matters like haircuts and naps, as well as discussions on international conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The styles range from solemn to humorous, but their common point is a candid and courageous sense and reflection on oneself, life, and the world, and a genuine revelation of these feelings and thoughts to the readers. The editor believes this is the soul of "prose." Without a deep personal connection, profound reflection, or courageous revelation, even the most beautiful writing can only be a slightly pleasant "feigned lament."
Additionally, it should be noted that the word "Selected" is significant. All the "prose" included in this collection won the "Best Essay of the Year" award in the year of their publication, which alone is enough to explain why they are included in this collection. A careful reader who flips through the table of contents and sees names like Saul Bellow and Joyce Carol Oates will realize that almost all the works here are masterpieces by prominent figures in contemporary American literature. Moreover, almost all the "prose" were published after the 1990s, making them as contemporary as possible. The editor has provided brief author profiles, brief reviews (or appreciations), and notes for each "prose" to assist readers in their reading and appreciation. The reviews or appreciations are the editor's personal reflections or insights from their reading, while the notes include terms or expressions related to contemporary American social and cultural life that are not easily found in general reference books in China. Readers can share their feelings and insights with the editor via email during their reading and appreciation.