BetterReads
鲁迅
1881–1936 · Chinese
About the author
Lu Xun, born Zhou Shuren in Shaoxing, China, in 1881, was a pivotal figure in modern Chinese literature. After studying medicine in Japan, he turned to writing, believing that literature could more effectively heal the national spirit. His first short story, "A Madman's Diary" (1918), is considered a landmark of modern Chinese fiction, and his masterpiece "The True Story of Ah Q" (1921) satirized the national character. He was also a prolific essayist and translator, and his collection "A Brief History of Chinese Fiction" (1923–24) remains a foundational scholarly work. Lu Xun's sharp social criticism and innovative style influenced generations of writers. He died in 1936, but his legacy as a cultural icon and moral conscience of China endures, with his works remaining essential reading in Chinese schools and beyond.
