A New Literary History of Modern China by David Der-wei Wang (PDF)

Description

Literature, from the Chinese perspective, makes manifest the cosmic patterns that shape and complete the world—a process of “worlding” that is much more than mere representation. In that spirit, A New Literary History of Modern China looks beyond state-sanctioned works and official narratives to reveal China as it has seldom been seen before, through a rich spectrum of writings covering Chinese literature from the late-seventeenth century to the present.Featuring over 140 Chinese and non-Chinese contributors from throughout the world, this landmark volume explores unconventional forms as well as traditional genres—pop song lyrics and presidential speeches, political treatises and prison-house jottings, to name just a few. Major figures such as Lu Xun, Shen Congwen, Eileen Chang, and Mo Yan appear in a new light, while lesser-known works illuminate turning points in recent history with unexpected clarity and force. Many essays emphasize Chinese authors’ influence on foreign writers as well as China’s receptivity to outside literary influences. Contemporary works that engage with ethnic minorities and environmental issues take their place in the critical discussion, alongside writers who embraced Chinese traditions and others who resisted. Writers’ assessments of the popularity of translated foreign-language classics and avant-garde subjects refute the notion of China as an insular and inward-looking culture.A vibrant collection of contrasting voices and points of view, A New Literary History of Modern China is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of China’s literary and cultural legacy.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐While definitely not an “history” of modern Chinese literature, this book contains 200 or so short essays (about five pages each) by 150 or so experts on modern Chinese literature, covering a wide range of topics. It is stronger on early 20th century Chinese literature and relatively weak on more contemporary Chinese literature, i.e., the now almost seven decade long (!!) PRC period. If you have some knowledge of and interest in aspects of modern Chinese literature (and broader political trends), you will likely find some of these “humanistic” essays interesting and informative. However, you will also likely find the focus of many other essays diffuse and obscure. Many Chinese literary notables are mentioned in depth or fleetingly in more than one essay, making the search for integrating threads and a more complete picture among diverse essays extremely frustrating. This book would have been more useful with a bibliography that pointed readers to other, more in-depth scholarly studies of individual Chinese authors (in both English and Chinese).

⭐Very Interesting. The format is great and the range of contributors (professors, graduate students, writers etc) gives a variety of perspectives on the subject. I learned a lot, and enjoyed the experience.

⭐It’s a very comprehensive and full of insight modern Chinese literature.

Keywords

Free Download A New Literary History of Modern China in PDF format
A New Literary History of Modern China PDF Free Download
Download A New Literary History of Modern China 2017 PDF Free
A New Literary History of Modern China 2017 PDF Free Download
Download A New Literary History of Modern China PDF
Free Download Ebook A New Literary History of Modern China