Within reach of the heavens, yet difficult to face

Author: Jin Kemu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The articles collected in this volume titled "A Glimpse of the Heavens, Navigating Challenges" are primarily essays on literature or cultural thought, which are the most distinctive part of Mr. Jin's writings. Next are some miscellaneous reflections or short pieces, most of which are brief yet uniquely engaging, written in a relaxed and effortless style. It must be noted that in the "Reminiscing the Past, Cherishing People" section of this book, several excerpts from "Traces of the Old Nest" are selected. "Traces of the Old Nest" is a novelistic memoir published under the pen name "Xin Zhu" by Mr. Jin, recalling his early education in knowledge and life as a member of a feudal family. The original book of "Traces of the Old Nest" consists of 56 chapters plus an epilogue, without individual chapter titles, while the selected excerpts are provided with chapter titles added by the editor. As a scholar, some of Mr. Jin's prose resemble academic papers, and some of his academic papers resemble prose. Reading his articles requires patience—some can be read while lying in bed, while others may need to be read only while seated at a desk in a quiet study. The selected volume presented to the readers is basically organized by theme, differing from other anthologies.