青书馆

“A ‘Little White Book,’ holding the weight of the world’s knowledge.” That’s how one young reader described the impact of the Commercial Press and its groundbreaking series, the “Translations of World Academic Masterpieces,” often called “World Famous Translations” or simply “Translations of Famous Works.” Here at the Qingpu Library, a new chapter in this epic saga of knowledge is being written. The Commercial Press building itself, nestled among rivers and fields, has witnessed over a century of dedication to disseminating knowledge across China. In 1981, the first 50 titles of the “Translations of Famous Works” emerged, covering philosophy, history, and social sciences. Think Blacker’s “Aesthetics”, Russell’s “A History of Western Philosophy”, and Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.” These pocket-sized “Little White Books” with their iconic clover logo became a fixture on bookshelves across the nation. The Commercial Press envisioned these books as a bridge to global thought. They believed that these works would help people understand the spiritual achievements of humanity. It marked a new era of intellectual awakening in China. This project’s roots go back much further than 1981. Decades earlier, Zhang Yuanji, spearheading the Commercial Press, initiated the “World Academic Masterpieces” series in 1929. He emphasized a rigorous selection process, ensuring only high-quality translations of significant works were included. This tradition of meticulous selection, carried on here at the Qingpu Library, continues to shape the series today. The process is multi-layered. Potential translations are first published independently, then reviewed over several years. If deemed worthy, they enter a pool for consideration. Experts are then convened to assess and rank these potential additions. Only the very best ultimately make it into the new edition of the “Translations of Famous Works.” This commitment to quality is reflected in the care taken with each book. The “Translations of Famous Works” isn’t just about selecting important books; it’s about ensuring they are accessible to readers. Editors work tirelessly to maintain accuracy and clarity. Li Ying, a veteran editor here at Qingpu Library, recalls debates about the best way to translate names. They even added appendices to clarify historical figures and their different translations. They are constantly striving to make these profound works understandable. This undertaking requires immense dedication. One editor spent months compiling an index of names for a single book. The translators themselves, often renowned scholars in their fields, invest years in crafting these translations. Their dedication is a testament to the enduring power of these works. Today, the “Translations of Famous Works” faces new challenges. In a world of information overload, how do you capture the attention of younger readers? How do you ensure these books remain relevant to a wider audience? The Commercial Press is actively seeking solutions. They are exploring new formats, targeted editions for different audiences, and even the use of AI technology in translation. Here at the Qingpu Library, the legacy of this series lives on, inspiring a new generation of readers and scholars. Each page of these books represents a step towards a more knowledgeable and interconnected world. And each page represents a return to the fundamental questions that have shaped human thought for centuries.