Toward Bravery and Other Poems

Mu Xin, a painter and writer, received his artistic education in Shanghai and fled to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War. He lived in New York for two decades before settling in his hometown, Wuzhen. In old age, he gained literary renown in the Sinophone sphere and was most content with his poetry. "Toward Bravery," his first collection of poetry in English, was published in 2017 and reissued in 2022.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 90 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Hermits United

Mu Xin, a painter and writer, received his artistic education in cosmopolitan Shanghai. During the Chinese Civil War, he fled to Taiwan and returned to the mainland after the war. Having survived persecution at home, he lived in New York for two decades before resettling in his hometown, Wuzhen, at the end of his life. In old age, Mu Xin enjoyed literary renown in the Sinophone sphere. Of his oeuvre, he was most content with his poetry. Toward Bravery, selected and translated by Mingyuan Hu, is the first collection of Mu Xin's poetry to appear in English. Published in 2017, it is reissued in 2022 in a bilingual format.

Mu Xin, a multifaceted artist who excelled in both painting and writing, received his early artistic training in the vibrant city of Shanghai. However, his life took an unexpected turn when the Chinese Civil War broke out, forcing him to flee to Taiwan. After enduring the tumultuous years of conflict, he returned to the mainland once the war concluded. Despite facing persecution at home, Mu Xin managed to survive and thrive in New York for a remarkable two decades. Eventually, he decided to return to his roots, settling down in the picturesque town of Wuzhen, where he spent the remainder of his life in seclusion. As he grew older, Mu Xin's reputation as a writer and poet in the Sinophone sphere flourished, earning him widespread acclaim. Among his many works, he found particular satisfaction in his poetry, which captured the essence of his experiences and emotions.

In 2017, a significant milestone occurred when Mingyuan Hu published the first collection of Mu Xin's poetry in English. Titled "Toward Bravery," this remarkable anthology showcased Mu Xin's poetic prowess and introduced his work to a broader international audience. The book was well-received, and its impact was felt not only in literary circles but also in the broader cultural community.

To celebrate the success of "Toward Bravery," the book was reissued in 2022, this time in a bilingual format. This decision allowed readers from different linguistic backgrounds to appreciate Mu Xin's poetry in both Chinese and English, further expanding his reach and impact.

Mu Xin's journey as a painter and writer is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. Despite facing adversity and hardship, he pursued his artistic dreams and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world. His poetry, in particular, serves as a powerful testament to the power of words and the ability of art to transcend boundaries and connect hearts.

In conclusion, Mu Xin's life and work are a testament to the enduring power of art and the human spirit. His journey from Shanghai to Taiwan, New York, and Wuzhen showcases his resilience and determination, and his poetry continues to touch the hearts of readers worldwide. "Toward Bravery" serves as a valuable contribution to the world of literature, and its bilingual reissue in 2022 ensures that Mu Xin's legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

Weight: 120g
Dimension: 132 x 196 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781999883317
Edition number: Bilingual ed