Contemporary Review (Chinese magazine)


Contemporary Review was a Chinese literary weekly magazine founded in 1924 and ceased December 1928.

Publication history

"Contemporary Review" debuted in Beijing December 13, 1924. After 209 issues, it ceased in 1928. There were 3 extra issues and a series of specials. This is a general weekly spanning politics, economics, law, the arts, philosophy, education and science. Closely affiliated scholars include Hu Shih, Gao Yihan, Tang Youren, Chen Yuan, Xu Zimo and others. Most of them studied in Europe or United States. "Contemporary Review" valued individualism and freedom of style. While it was a general magazine, it published a large number of new literature writers introducing them to an eager audience. Zhang Dinghuang published "Mr. Lu Xun" as a comprehensive two part review of all Lu's writings in the journal, January 24 and 31 issues of 1925. Zhang's essay defined Lu Xun's historic significance in the transition of modern Chinese literature.
Early Republic of China journals such as "Fiction Monthly", "Contemporary Review" along with "New Youth ", "Creative Quarterly", Tattler and others played a critical role in modernizing the written Chinese language. These intersecting circles of young scholars all witnessed the 1911 Xinhai revolution. Their goal was to revolutionize the written language, transforming it from the classical to the vernacular. These talented writers and scholars had close relationships with successive education ministries. They established the education system and the curriculum. These journals published the new literature authors. The reviews gave theoretical foundation for the works. By the end of the 20th century, the Chinese general population achieved a level of literacy. This is the lasting revolution.

Representative issues

The Table of Contents give a feel to the magazine.

First Issue Table of Contents