Research on theory and criticism of Nghe An literature in the first 10 years of the 20th century
(Baonghean)The book is about 350 pages thick, introducing to readers near and far 34 articles by 34 authors who are teachers, researchers - literary critics, writers, poets from Nghe An. The majority of them are members of the Theory - Criticism Board of Nghe An Literature and Arts Association. Thus, after 2 collections of literature and poetry of Nghe An in the first 10 years of the 20th century, this collection temporarily closes the "literature" section of the province.
Over 100 articles were submitted at the request of Nghe An Publishing House, due to the criteria of only selecting authors from Nghe An, one article per author, writing about aspects of literary life (not discussing art) in Nghe An; finally the Editorial Board selected 34 articles. Although this number is not much, it partly shows respect for the diversity and richness in the perspective, thinking, and writing style of each author, living and writing in a land with a long-standing cultural and literary tradition.
Through the content of the critical essays in the selection, it can be temporarily divided into 3 main areas:
- Learn about the authors of Nghe An homeland (more precisely Nghe, Nghe - Tinh). From Nguyen Du, Phan Boi Chau, Ho Chi Minh to Hoai Thanh, Xuan Dieu, Ninh Viet Giao. There are also some familiar contemporary writers and poets such as Vo Thi Hao, Nguyen Duc Tho, Nguyen Trong Tao, Tuyet Nga, Le Quoc Han... by writers Nguyen Dinh Chu, Tu Son, Tran Huu Dinh, Pham Xuan Nghiem, Nguyen Dang Diep, Vuong Trong, Le Thai Phong, Nguyen An, Dang Luu, Dao Tam Tinh.
- Generalize the characteristics of a literary period, a literary genre, type or language related to Nghe An literature, past and present; by authors Truong Dang Dung, Tran Thi An, Pham Tuan Vu, Le Van Tung.
- Reflections on the literary profession, on literary criticism in general... through the pens of Vo Van Truc, Nguyen Khac Thach, Phan Huy Dung, Dinh Tri Dung, Le Than, Le Quoc Han.
In each article, the length is different, the way of expression is different for each person, the persuasiveness in the problem raised and the way of solving it are also different; but the nostalgia, the heart and the honesty of the writer towards the literature of the province and towards the generations of readers today are very precious and trustworthy!
Because each author can only choose one article, and most of the articles have been tested by time and screened in newspapers nationwide, the persuasiveness of this collective work is quite high. In 2012, the collection Research, theory, and criticism of Nghe An literature in the early 20th century was honored to receive the "Good Book - Beautiful Book of Vietnam Award", held annually in the capital city of Hanoi.
Kim Hung