Description
Book SynopsisLu Xun was China’s greatest literary modernist and a key thinker of the early twentieth century. This new translation assembles some of Lu Xun’s essays and experimental writings little known to English readers—works of profound imagination that seek to find beauty and meaning in an unjust world.
Trade ReviewCheng utilizes her freedom as a translator to render Lu Xun’s works as beautiful in English as they are in Chinese…Demystifying his writing, Cheng captures the magic, somberness, humor, and lyricism of his works, demonstrating that wisdom and playfulness coexist as often as they are diametrically opposed. This book is not just a testament to Cheng’s brilliance as a translator, but also to her masterful understanding of his works. * Columbia Journal of Literary Criticism *
Splendid…Inward-looking and ruminative. -- Nicky Harman * Asian Books Blog *
In this fresh and vivid translation, we behold an amazing mind at work. Rich, daring, haunting, and personal, these volumes are nothing short of revelatory. -- Gish Jen
Two unique works from Lu Xun’s oeuvre—an experiment in prose poetry partially inspired by Baudelaire, Nietzsche, and Buddhism, and a personal memoir that compares with Benjamin’s
Berlin Childhood—are rendered in lucid and very readable English and collected in one volume, together with comprehensive and insightful introductions. A sizable achievement from an experienced translator and Lu Xun scholar. -- Leo Ou-fan Lee
A very timely publication. The first translation of these works in over four decades offers a more accurate, fluent rendering that will be welcomed by students of Chinese literature and enjoyed by many general readers. Explanatory footnotes throughout will also be a great help to those new to Lu Xun. -- Carlos Rojas
