This is the first independent fulllife biography of Lu Xun the mostcelebrated Chinese writer of the twentieth century in any European language.It sets aside all... » 

This is the first independent fulllife biography of Lu Xun the mostcelebrated Chinese writer of the twentieth century in any European language.It sets aside all the propaganda that has accrued over the sixtysix yearssince his death and presents him as a credible human being neitheraggrandized nor belittled. As Lu Xuns life spanned the transition from Manchuempire to citizens Republic it can be seen as one mans history of Chinasprogress to modernity a progress in which he personally played a significantpart.The facts of Lu Xuns life are presented objectively but they do not alwaysspeak for themselves. The author has therefore drawn on his lifelong study ofmodern Chinese literature to offer intelligent interpretations where necessary.Since the subject of this biography was a writer the author has appended tothe chronicle some brief sketches of his work for the benefit of thoseunacquainted with it. «