China News Service, Chengdu, March 24th, title: 107-year-old Ma Shitu's "Oracle Bone Inscriptions Notes" is expected to be available within this year: "Continuing life" for ancient Chinese characters
Author Shan Peng
"The interpretation of the words this time is more comprehensive and accurate, and you can replace all the previous ones." A few days ago, at the home of the 107-year-old literary master Ma Shitu, Huang Lixin, the president of Sichuan People's Publishing House, took over a gilded character with "Hundred Years Master". The big red notebook, this Oracle notebook is full of Ma Shitu’s latest revisions to the manuscript.
Ma Shitu (right) discusses the manuscript with Huang Lixin (left).
Photo courtesy of Sichuan Provincial People's Publishing House
Ma Shitu's first book on Oracle, "Ma Shitu Southwest Associated University Oracle Notes" is expected to be available within this year.
It is understood that this book recalls the language and philology taught by Mr. Luo Changpei, Tang Lan, Chen Mengjia, Wang Li, and Wen Yiduo when Ma Shitu was studying at Southwest Associated University. It also recalls the essence of Tang Lan’s research on oracle bone inscriptions and records at the same time. This part of Ma Shitu’s research on oracle bone inscriptions, and his current form and training notes on oracle bone inscriptions, is a tribute to the Southwest Associated University and the masters of linguistics.
Since the manuscript was handed over to the Sichuan People's Publishing House on January 22, Ma Shitu has re-read almost all Oracle monographs on the market today, and has combed and interpreted Oracle from beginning to end.
"Ma Lao is 107 years old, he has a strong knowledge of knowledge, quick thinking, and strives for perfection. He wrote so much content in less than 2 months completely by memory. It is rare and rare." See the comments in the notebook. Huang Lixin couldn't help but admire the meticulous and comprehensive interpretation.
"Seventy years have passed, and no friend knows that I have studied and studied Oracle at Southwest Associated University. I have only now told my friends about my relationship with Oracle." In the self-preface of "I and Oracle" , Ma Shitu wrote.
In 1945, Ma Shitu graduated from the Chinese Literature Department of Southwest Associated University.
During his studies, Ma Shitu took two courses taught by Professor Tang Lan and the study of oracle bone inscriptions, as well as the Bronze Inscription (Bronze Inscription) course taught by Professor Chen Mengjia.
While studying, Ma Shitu participated in underground party work at Southwest Associated University.
After graduating from the university, Ma Shitu, who obeyed the organizational arrangements and was transferred from Kunming, had to give up academic research during the university and burned all relevant notes and manuscripts.
Later, Ma Shitu held a leading position in the party, government, and mass organizations for nearly 70 years. Due to his busy work, he gradually became "isolated" from Oracle.
In November 2019, the Oracle 120th Anniversary Symposium was held in Beijing. It was proposed to popularize Oracle among college and middle school students. “I was so excited when I saw the report and wanted to be effective.” Ma Shitu wrote in his preface.
Ma Shitu is at home.
Photo courtesy of Sichuan Provincial People's Publishing House
According to Ma Wanmei, Ma Shitu’s daughter, after retiring, Ma Shitu began to write "Oracle Bone Inscriptions" in his free time in literary creation, especially after the completion of the book "Night Tale" in 2017. The 103-year-old Ma Shitu devoted himself to Oracle Bone Inscriptions, The study of ancient characters in bronze inscriptions, two volumes of Shi Yi are written.
In the middle, Ma Shitu had interrupted his creation due to two or three hospitalizations, but even if he was hospitalized, he always kept this oracle manuscript in his heart.
"Every day, readers call or send WeChat to ask when Ma Lao's masterpiece will be published. The market is looking forward to this new book." Cai Linjun, editor of Sichuan People's Publishing House, is the editor in charge of the book. She said, "Ma Zhitu Southwest Associated University "Oracle Notes" is not difficult to understand. It is an oracle book with knowledge, interest and thought.
"Ma Lao has fluent writing, refined writing, witty and humorous language, and eloquent words, vividly restored the classroom of Southwest Associated University, and reproduced the demeanor of the masters back then."
"As an Oracle researcher, Mr. Ma not only recorded the views and achievements of Tang Lan and others on Oracle research, but also made corresponding Oracle research and supplements. Therefore, this book has high academic value and is a valuable Oracle research. Data." Huang Lixin said.
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