Qing Empire
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Mao Dun
Tongxiang (Zhejiang), Qing Empire
Archival Overview
Chinese novelist and social realist critic who wrote Midnight and served as modern China's first Minister of Culture, funding the prestigious Mao Dun Literature Prize.
Biographical Record
Shen Dehong (pen name Mao Dun, 1896–1981) was a prominent leader of the May Fourth Movement and co-founder of the Literary Research Association. In 1933, he published 'Midnight' ('Ziye'), a sweeping panoramic novel of 1930s Shanghai portraying financial speculators, industrial strikes, and national crisis.
Appointed the People's Republic of China's first Minister of Culture in 1949, Mao Dun protected traditional artistic archives and promoted working-class literature. On his deathbed, he donated his lifetime savings to establish China's top literary award.
Key Life Milestones
Publication of 'Midnight'
Published the definitive socio-economic novel of cosmopolitan Shanghai capitalism.
Establishment of Mao Dun Literature Prize
Bequeathed 250,000 yuan to create China's premier national prize for novel writing.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialBeijing, China