Li Shenzhi: An Autobiography and Collection of Articles

In my youth, I could only be a Communist.
In 1957, I could only be a Rightist.
In my old age, I could only be a liberal.
-- Li Shenzhi
 
Mr. Li Shenzhi deserves to be remembered, not only for his ups and downs in officialdom, but more importantly for the dozens of articles he penned after leaving office. Li Shenzhi was a modern intellectual deeply influenced by traditional Chinese culture and profoundly yearning for spiritual freedom. In the last decade or so of his life, Li Shenzhi, after years of accumulating knowledge, wielded his pen like a weapon, advocating for freedom, championing democracy, and calling for enlightenment, writing the most brilliant chapter of his life.
 
The autobiographical section of this book is compiled from Li Shenzhi's autobiography and self-criticisms found in his archives, as well as accounts organized by others based on Li Shenzhi's recollections. The anthology section comprises either articles and letters written by Li Shenzhi himself or transcripts of interviews with Li Shenzhi. Therefore, this book can be seen as Li Shenzhi's life narrative and spiritual autobiography.
 
Jointly Recommended by
 
Xu Chenggang (Senior Research Scholar, China Program, Stanford University's Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center)
Wu Guoguang (Senior Research Scholar, China Program, Stanford University's Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center)
Ding Xueliang (Professor, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

2024-09-30

1 Plus Books

646

9781949736878