Portrait of an old publisher

Author: Wang Jianhui
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-03-01
Features: This book focuses on the unique perspective of active old publishers in modern publishing, capturing fragments that have long been "dissolved in the backdrop of history and marginalized in current academic research." These fragments are combined in this kaleidoscope to recreate a colorful history. The author, Wang Jianhui, considers himself a scholarly editor with 16 years of editing experience, wielding both red and blue pens. He contributed to the "Centennial Pioneers" column of "Publishing Angle" for nearly four years, dedicated to the discovery and research of old publishers, receiving widespread recognition. The author's historical research methods are not confined to accumulating historical materials but excel in analyzing limited resources. Each old publisher described in his writing is carefully chosen for representative aspects, meticulously depicted without unnecessary elaboration or neglecting individuals for the sake of events, revealing the true face of history by sifting through the sand. When compiling the book, the author reflects, "What I did not expect was that the scattered writings I had actually had a certain logical connection." If the figures in the book were arranged in chronological order, "perhaps it would be more in line with some historical and logical process." Clearly, learning from history for the present, what flows from the author's pen is not only admiration but also a reflection of his inner hopes—hoping that the publishing spirit of the old publishers can be passed on to successors, inspiring future generations to climb higher. His humble sketches are actually profound strokes, and thus the modern publishing history of our country is presented to us with such a realistic spirit.