Title
The Cowshed: Memories of the Chinese Cultural Revolution,Used
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The Chinese Cultural Revolution began in 1966 and led to a tenyearlong reign of Maoist terror throughout China, in which millions died or were sent to labor camps in the country or subjected to other forms of extreme discipline and humiliation. Ji Xianlin was one of them. The Cowshed is Ji? harrowing account of his imprisonment in 1968 on the campus of Peking University and his subsequent disillusionment with the cult of Mao. As the campus spirals into a political frenzy, Ji, a professor of Eastern languages, is persecuted by lecturers and students from his own department. His home is raided, his most treasured possessions are destroyed, and Ji himself must endure hours of humiliation at brutal ?truggle sessions.?He is forced to construct a cowshed (a makeshift prison for intellectuals who were labeled class enemies) in which he is then housed with other former colleagues. His eyewitness account of this excruciating experience is full of sharp irony, empathy, and remarkable insights into a central event in Chinese history.In contemporary China, the Cultural Revolution remains a delicate topic, little discussed, but if a Chinese citizen has read one book on the subject, it is likely to be Ji? memoir. When The Cowshed was published in China in 1998, it quickly became a bestseller. The Cultural Revolution had nearly disappeared from the collective memory. Prominent intellectuals rarely spoke openly about the revolution, and books on the subject were almost nonexistent. By the time of Ji? death in 2009, little had changed, and despite its popularity, The Cowshed remains one of the only testimonies of its kind. As Zha Jianying writes in the introduction, ?he book has sold well and stayed in print. But authorities also quietly took steps to restrict public discussion of the memoir, as its subject continues to be treated as sensitive. The present English edition, skillfully translated by Chenxin Jiang, is hence a welcome, valuable addition to the small body of work in this genre. It makes an important contribution to our understanding of that period.?,Xianlin
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- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six inches in length, zero point fifty-nine inches in width, and eight point ninety-five inches in height.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Cowshed' have? A: The book contains two hundred sixteen pages, providing a comprehensive account of Ji Xianlin's experiences.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Cowshed'? A: The author is Ji Xianlin, who recounts his experiences during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'The Cowshed'? A: The main theme explores the impact of the Chinese Cultural Revolution on intellectuals and the personal struggles faced during that period.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: No, the book contains mature themes related to political persecution and personal trauma during the Cultural Revolution.
- Q: What language is 'The Cowshed' originally written in? A: The book was originally written in Chinese and has been skillfully translated into English.
- Q: How should I approach reading 'The Cowshed'? A: Reading the book can provide valuable insights into Chinese history, particularly regarding the Cultural Revolution's impact on society.
- Q: Is there a specific audience for this book? A: Yes, this book is geared towards readers interested in history, politics, and personal narratives of the Cultural Revolution.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage.
- Q: Can I easily clean the cover of the book? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and keep it clean.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or exchange as per their return policy.
- Q: What if I want to learn more about the Cultural Revolution? A: Reading 'The Cowshed' offers an important perspective, but you can also explore other historical texts and memoirs on the topic.
- Q: Is there a glossary or index in the book? A: No, 'The Cowshed' does not include a glossary or index, focusing instead on the narrative and memoir format.
- Q: Where can I purchase 'The Cowshed'? A: You can purchase 'The Cowshed' through online retailers or at bookstores that carry titles from New York Review Books.