The remarkable life of intellectual and language reformer Hu Shih helped shape China in the 20th century
- A new book highlights Hu’s legacy, from his World War II-era diplomacy to championing literature for ordinary Chinese, his humility and charisma
- Author says biography reminds young people that between 1911 and 1949 China had a rare period of liberty thanks to outstanding intellectuals such as Hu
This month marks the 130th anniversary of the birth of a Chinese intellectual and diplomat who played a key role in on of the major turning points in the Second World War – an event being commemorated in a new book.
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“Hu was not only an excellent diplomat working to save his country, but also a versatile intellectual with a strong sense of social responsibility and liberalism that should always be commemorated,” O’Neill told the South China Morning Post.
“When I asked university students in Hong Kong about him, they told me his name is familiar to them, but they knew little about him. When I asked foreigners, they responded: ‘who is Hu?’ That really makes me disappointed”.
O’Neill’s book, China’s Great Liberal of The 20th Century – Hu Shih Founder of Modern Chinese Language was expected to be published this month in both English and Chinese to coincide with the 130th anniversary of Hu’s birth, although a publishing date has not been set.
