University of California Press Lu Xun and His Legacy

Lu Xun and His Legacy explores the profound and complex impact of Lu Xun, a towering figure in modern Chinese literature, whose influence has extended far beyond his writings. Hailed as a revolutionary thinker and a literary pioneer, Lu Xun's works, including Call to Arms and Wild Grass, were instrumental in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of 20th-century China. The book examines the dichotomy between his public persona as a revered advocate of social reform and his private struggles with self-doubt and existential anguish. It delves into the Chinese Communist Party's canonization of Lu Xun, framing him as an ideological forerunner to Mao Zedong, while critically assessing the simplifications and distortions that resulted from this state-sponsored idealization. The collection features interdisciplinary essays that dissect Lu Xun's literary genius, political engagement, and lasting cultural legacy. It investigates his innovative narrative techniques, his nuanced critique of Chinese society, and the tensions between his humanistic morality and revolutionary ideals. The book also highlights the varied global reception of Lu Xun's works, from Japan's deep intellectual engagement to Western scholars' burgeoning interest. Through a blend of historical context, literary analysis, and cultural commentary, Lu Xun and His Legacy offers an indispensable resource for understanding the life and works of one of China's most iconic and enigmatic figures, while charting new directions for scholarly discourse. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1985.