Listen to this articleWang Dulu – The Life and Work of a Chinese Novelist
Wang Dulu (王度庐) was a Chinese novelist who is best known for his “Crane-Iron” (鹤铁系列) series of wuxia novels, which have become beloved classics of Chinese literature. Wang’s work has had a significant impact on the wuxia genre, influencing generations of writers and filmmakers.
Early Life and Education
Wang was born in 1909 in Shandong Province, China. He grew up in a family of scholars and received a traditional Chinese education. In the 1920s, he studied at the Beijing Normal University and later at the University of Paris, where he was exposed to Western literature and philosophy.
Writing Career
Wang began his writing career in the 1930s, publishing his first novel, “The Color of the Great Wall” (长城的颜色), in 1932. He went on to publish a number of novels and short stories, but it was his “Crane-Iron” series, which he began writing in the 1940s, that would make him famous.
The “Crane-Iron” series consists of five novels: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (卧虎藏龙), “Iron Knight, Silver Vase” (铁骑银花), “Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin” (宝剑金钗), “Laughing in the Wind” (笑傲江湖), and “The Book and the Sword” (书剑恩仇录). The novels are set in a fantastical version of ancient China and follow the adventures of various martial arts heroes and heroines.
The “Crane-Iron” series was widely popular in China, and has since been translated into many languages and adapted into films, TV shows, and other media. Wang’s work is notable for its complex characters, intricate plots, and detailed descriptions of martial arts techniques.
Legacy and Impact
Wang’s impact on the wuxia genre cannot be overstated. His “Crane-Iron” series has become one of the most famous and beloved works of wuxia fiction, and has influenced generations of writers and filmmakers. The series has been adapted into numerous films, including the critically acclaimed “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” directed by Ang Lee.
Wang’s work has also been praised for its exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the struggle for power. His characters are complex and multifaceted, and often blur the lines between good and evil.
Conclusion
Wang Dulu was a Chinese novelist who is best known for his “Crane-Iron” series of wuxia novels. His work has had a significant impact on the wuxia genre, influencing generations of writers and filmmakers. Wang’s “Crane-Iron” series is widely regarded as a classic of Chinese literature, and continues to captivate readers and viewers around the world with its complex characters, intricate plots, and detailed descriptions of martial arts techniques.
