The Columbia Companion to Modern Chinese Literature

The Columbia Companion to Modern Chinese Literature addresses a range of issues crucial to our understanding of modern Chinese literary culture, from the birth of new fiction to the advent of Internet writing and from the vitality of cultural production to the vigor of political intervention. In this volume, Chinese literature appears to be a most powerful institution that inscribes, and sometimes even prescribes, the history of modern China. -- David Der-wei Wang, Harvard University The Columbia Companion to Modern Chinese Literature is a dynamite collection of short, smart essays written by many of the leading scholars in the field. It is not only a useful source but also a good read that brings alive the cultural complexity behind the many passionate debates surrounding modern literature in China. -- Wendy Larson, University of Oregon The Columbia Companion to Modern Chinese Literature is as close to an all-purpose work as we are likely to have. A broad-based introduction to the literary offerings and studies of modern Chinese literature for newcomers; a reference work for specialists; and a showcase for the best veteran and young scholars in the field. An indispensable tool. -- Howard Goldblatt, coeditor of The Columbia Anthology of Modern Chinese Literature The field of modern Chinese literature has grown immensely in recent decades. Only collaboration among many scholars can encompass it. The Columbia Companion to Modern Chinese Literature does this, but it is much more than a reference book. It is a kaleidoscope of deft and charming essays that provide insight as well as background for students at all levels. The book will be invaluable in teaching. -- Perry Link, University of California, Riverside The Columbia Companion is a very stimulating guide to modern Chinese literature. More than that, it is a landmark work... No other single volume has presented this range of literature and this level of critical introduction. Whether as teachers or as research scholars, we should not overlook this contribution to our field. -- Edward Mansfield Gunn Modern Chinese Literature and Culture