On October 21, a special event took place in Shanghai, marking the inaugural launch of “The Three Volumes of the Research Series on Ding Jingtang,” published by Fudan University Press. Mr. Ding Jingtang is celebrated as a multifaceted figure in the realms of literary creation and editorial work, with his lifelong connection to profound patriotic sentiments.

Former Director of the Shanghai Municipal Press and Vice Chairman and Party Secretary of the Shanghai Writers Association, Sun Yong, commented that this series sheds light on the lesser-known chapters of Ding Jingtang’s life. “We are offered a glimpse into Mr. Ding’s youthful poetic talent, his diligent efforts as he entered the literary world focusing on publishing, editing, and scholarly pursuits, and his collaboration with many cultural luminaries, shining a light in dark times and conveying hope and strength,” said Sun.

Born in 1920, Ding Jingtang joined the Communist Party of China in 1938, leading student propaganda and research work within the underground party’s “study committee” system in Shanghai. He graduated from the Chinese Department of Guanghua University and had a notable editorial role with various publications, including “Bee,” “Fiction Monthly,” “Translation Collection,” and “Literary Monthly.” After 1979, he served as the President and Chief Editor of the Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House and held several key positions in literary and cultural organizations, solidifying his status in the publishing industry.

At the launch event, Ding Yanmou, Mr. Ding’s son, presented a donation of “The Three Volumes of the Research Series on Ding Jingtang” to the Shanghai Library. The series includes “The Collected Poems and Writings of Ding Jingtang,” “Ding Jingtang’s Editorial Works,” and “Literary Biography of Ding Jingtang.” The first two volumes compile Ding’s literary works and articles, particularly filling a gap in research on his early literary contributions. The third volume offers a systematic review of his literary and editorial journey based on the previous compilations.

Chen Jun, Director of the Humanities Editorial Department at Fudan University Press, expressed honor at the release of this remarkable work, which reflects years of meticulous collection and research by Ding Yanmou. Lin Jun, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Library, highlighted the academic value of this series, noting its significance in commemorating Ding Jingtang and its relevance for promoting red culture in contemporary society.

Fudan University Chinese Department Professor Chen Sihe emphasized the significance of Ding Jingtang’s research on figures like Qu Qiubai and Lu Xun, as well as his compilation of a catalog in the 1960s. His meticulous efforts in reprinting journals from the 1930s left a lasting legacy, ensuring that important revolutionary literary materials would not be lost to history.

Interestingly, beyond his roles as an editor and scholar, Ding Jingtang was once a young man with literary dreams. In his youth, he loved literature and engaged actively in creative writing and editing literary journals. However, his dedication to the national salvation movement prevented him from fully realizing his literary aspirations, as much of his poetry and prose from the 1940s went unnoticed.

“Ding Yanmou has uncovered numerous lesser-known early works of his father and compiled them meticulously, conducting critical readings, providing commentary, and assembling a comprehensive collection that does justice to Ding Jingtang’s early career. I’m sure this brings comfort to him in spirit,” said Chen.

Ding Jingtang had deep ties with the Shanghai Taofen Memorial Hall (Chinese Museum of Modern News and Publishing), actively supporting its establishment while donating rare books and historical photographs, including the first large English-Chinese bilingual dictionary compiled by the Chinese, published by Commercial Press in 1902. Yanmou also recently donated a bound edition of “Hai Shang Shu Lin,” a two-volume original version edited by Lu Xun.

“This edition of ‘Hai Shang Shu Lin’ is a family heirloom, imbued with my father’s touch. After dedicating most of his life to publishing and editing, it feels right for this book to find a home at the Museum of Modern China.” Yanmou shared.

He expressed, “This launch event serves as a profound tribute to my father. My hope is to see the publication of ‘The Fourth Volume of the Research Series on Ding Jingtang,’ featuring selections from his writings and letters from 1949 to 1999, bringing this series to a fulfilling conclusion.”