Stories of Famous Figures in Chinese History: Paintings - Wen Tianxiang: Wen Tianxiang

Author: Zhao Naizeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-06-01
Features: To enable young people to absorb rich historical wisdom, enhance national pride, confidence, and cohesion, and become "four-having" new people needed for the construction of socialist modernization, we have compiled and published the "Illustrated Series of Stories about Famous Figures in Chinese History." Using the form of picture-books, we introduce these historical figures to a broad readership, especially young readers. We believe they will certainly love it. Wen Tianxiang, a minister and litterateur of the Southern Song Dynasty. This book presents his life in concise text and vivid illustrations, showcasing his integrity as an official, especially his opposition to betrayal and surrender during the severe national crisis, his heroic resistance against the Yuan Dynasty: organizing guerrilla forces to defend Lin'an; serving as Right Chancellor and envoy to negotiate with the Yuan forces, only to be detained; reuniting with the guerrillas after escaping and persisting in resisting the Yuan; being captured and repeatedly threatened with coercion and temptation, yet remaining steadfastly refusing to surrender, and composing the poem "Passing Zero River" to express his resolve; finally dying a heroic death, demonstrating the unyielding national spirit and patriotic sentiments of a brave and noble heart. His poems are titled "The South Pointing Records," which can be considered a poetic history, and his "Ode to the Spirit of Righteousness," composed in prison, is particularly celebrated by the world.