Biography of Lu Xun

Author: Shanghai Lu Xun Memorial Hall
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-09-01
Features: The "Lu Xun Illustrated Biography" published by Shanghai Bookstore Press under the Century Publishing Group is both profound and accessible, with concise and refined language. It adopts materials and viewpoints widely recognized by academia, objectively and plainly narrating Lu Xun's life, the evolution of his creative and ideological development, his romantic relationships and family life, his social activities and interpersonal interactions, as well as his personality and character. It presents a relatively authentic and complete image of Lu Xun to the public. These contents are not merely presented in text but are also vividly introduced through over 300 photographs. The selection and editing of these photographs are full of ingenious craftsmanship, including images of Lu Xun himself, his friends and family, and his contemporaries, as well as photographs of his former residences, manuscripts, and personal belongings. Most of these photos have never been published before and are extremely valuable. This "Lu Xun Illustrated Biography," compiled by the Shanghai Lu Xun Memorial Hall and written by Liao Junqi, is a richly illustrated and popular biography of Lu Xun. With the clever combination of text and photographs, readers can observe, read, reflect, and contemplate, ultimately deciphering a Lu Xun who is real, approachable, and relatable in their own minds. Regardless of who they are or what their value standards may be, no one can deny that Lu Xun was a monumental figure in modern China. Lu Xun was not only a writer but also a philosopher. He once said that he hoped his works would perish quickly and that people would forget him. However, in terms of the influence of his ideas and the penetrating power of his art, few writers in the 20th century Chinese literary scene could rival Lu Xun. In the long and winding river of human history, time will erode many things, including both the ugly and the beautiful. But Lu Xun may endure for a long time. Because he was Lu Xun, the Lu Xun who is a symbol of the soul of the Chinese nation, the profoundly "indefinable Lu Xun." Under the current social conditions, in urging our nation to reflect and inspire itself, and in illuminating the path toward light and progress, Lu Xun's works and ideas remain irreplaceable and unsurpassed. Therefore, today we must study Lu Xun, commemorate him, and promote his legacy. Currently, more than ten of his works have been permanently included in the reading materials of primary and secondary schools. This at least demonstrates that knowledge about Lu Xun should be an integral part of our national education. Lu Xun was a cultural luminary, both in life and in death, and was widely admired. He left behind a wealth of images and physical materials, making it possible to compile this exceptional book: a brief textual overview of Lu Xun's life and creative work, complemented by rich illustrations, with the aim of harmoniously telling the story of our nation's backbone in the dark era—Lu Xun.