Through the discussion of novel forms, sci-fi creation can deepen our understanding of the relationship among people, science and technology, society and nature. Today, with the impact of science and technology on all fields of human activities, this understanding is undoubtedly urgent and necessary. Science fiction is the perfect combination of human fantasy and science. It skillfully blends science and technology into fascinating stories, which makes people feel the charm of science unconsciously and stimulates their strong interest in science and technology.
When it comes to science fiction, we have to talk about its development history. There are many books about the development of science fiction in the world, so I don't need to say anything. Looking back at the development of China's science fiction, it is only one hundred years. In the development of this century, we usually call the nearly 50 years before 1949 as the embryonic period of China's science fiction. In this half century, China's science fiction has experienced a process from scratch, from small to large. But because of its long history, many things are not known to ordinary science fiction lovers. The author will sort out the collected information and share it with you.
In a word, the development of modern science fiction literature in China began with the translation of western (including Japanese) science fiction.
1900, China Poetry Society published Around the World in Eighty Days (namely, Around the World in Eighty Days ~ jules verne), which was translated by Yi Ru and annotated by Xiu Yu. This is the first science fiction work with historical records published in China.
1902 translated by Lu Jidong and translated by Hong Xisheng (whose real name cannot be verified) and translated by Runwen (namely "Two Wan Li ~ jules verne under the Sea"), 1902 to 1905 (1905) was published.
In the same year, Yin Bingzi (Liang Qichao) translated Tianya11(190211).
1903, Yin Bingzi (Liang Qichao) and Luo Shi co-edited the abbreviation "Fifteen Little Heroes" (that is, two-year holiday ~ jules verne), which was serialized 18 times in Renyin Xinmin Daily. This novel was translated into Japanese version of Morita Sixuan; The original work was greatly compressed, and about three-quarters of its length was cut. And use chapter structure. Among them, Yin Bingzi translated the first ten times and Pippe translated the last eight times.
In May of the same year, Yang Desen translated Sleepwalking in 2 1 century (Netherlands ~ d 'Escolotis), which was originally published in Xiu Xiang's novels (No.1903,No. 1 period) toNo. 1903, No.4 (No./.
In June of the same year, Bao translated The Iron World (France ~ jules verne), which was published by Civilization Publishing House.
In June+10 of the same year, Mr. Lu Xun translated Inoue's Japanese version of A Journey to the Moon from English into Chinese version (from the Earth to the Moon ~ jules verne), which was published by Evolution Society in Tokyo, Japan. However, the author of the book was mistakenly identified as American Pelen, and the structure was changed to quotations. Lu Xun pointed out in the preface of this book: "To guide China people forward, we must start with science fiction". This paper briefly expounds the significance of science fiction to China.
This month, The Fantasy of Electrosurgery (Hypnosis Day ~ Kikuchi Youfang) translated by Dongguan Zhou and commented by Foshan and its new owner was serialized in New Novel for 24 times.
In the same year, I translated Air Travel anonymously (that is, Five Weeks in a Balloon ~ jules verne).
A large number of foreign sci-fi works have flooded into China, injecting nutrients into the development of China's sci-fi. This phenomenon is not accidental. At that time, the reformist political reform movement was in the ascendant. The reformists, led by Liang Qichao, believed that novels could enlighten the people and won the status of authentic literature. One of the important ways to introduce new consciousness and new ideas is translation. Moreover, westernization, frequent diplomacy and imperialist aggression against China have created a large number of diplomatic talents. The opening of translation agency and printing houses and the appearance of a large number of newspapers and periodicals have greatly enriched the status of translated works. Of course, a large number of translated and published sci-fi works is not the ultimate goal. What we need is China's own original science fiction. At the same time, it is precisely because of the introduction of translations that China's original science fiction novels are deeply influenced by western works.
Therefore, March 1904 should be a year that China sci-fi fans will always remember. Because in this year, the first original science fiction novel was born in the history of science fiction in China. Unfortunately, the real name can't be tested! ) in Xiu Xiang Fiction Magazine, 1904, 2 1-24, 26-40, 1905, 42, 59-62 (1904, March-1905, This novel tells the story of a man named Long who fled to Nanyang after killing. There, Dragon Flower Dream met Yutaro, a Japanese who explored by balloon. So, Long Hua Meng began his balloon journey, flying from Nanyang to new york, and traveled to the moon on the way.
In July of the same year, Qin Inoue translated Around the Moon (French ~ jules verne) and published it by Shanghai Commercial Press.
In the same year, Haitian Duxiaozi created Nu Wa Shi, which was published by East Asia Editorial Department in 1904 and 1905 respectively, but the two volumes were only included in 16 times, which did not end.
From 65438 to 0905, Zhou Guisheng translated Around the Moon (France ~ jules verne), which was published by Shanghai Guang Zhi Bookstore.
In April of the same year, Xiruo translated "The Secret Island" (French ~ jules verne), which was published by Shanghai Xiaoshuo Linshe.
In June of the same year, another excellent original science fiction novel from China came out. Donghai Juewo (Xu Nianci) published Mr. Tan of Faluo through Shanghai Xiaoshulin Publishing House. This book consists of three novels: Mr. Farrow Tan, Mr. Farrow Continued Tan and Mr. Farrow Tan. The first two articles were translated by Wu Mengtian Xiao Sheng (whose real name cannot be verified) from the German-Japanese translation of Iwatani Xiaobo in Japan, and the original author is unknown. Mr. Tan in New Diving is an original science fiction novel of China. The full text 13000 words mainly tells the story of a man named the new Pharaoh, who braved the strong wind, traveled all over the moon, mercury and Venus, and finally returned to the earth. Mr. Xu Nianci founded New Stage magazine and published a large number of science fiction novels. He once said, "the progress of novels has also promoted the progress of the general society." Shortly thereafter, more than 20 science fiction novels appeared in China.
In July of the same year, Dong Haijue translated The Black Planet (The End of the World), which was published by Shanghai Xiaoshulin Society. Chapter 15, Wings of Fantasy (Beauty ~ Ge Ping) is serialized in Xiu Xiang's novel 1905, No.53 to No.55.
In August of the same year, old boys serialized the novel "New Stone" 1 1 0/times in Nanfang Daily (1August 2, 905), among which
In the same year, Suozi (Lu Xun) translated The Art of Making Man (Mei ~ Louis Torun) and published it in the fourth and fifth issues of Women's World 1905.
1906, A Journey to the Earth (Journey to the Center of the Earth ~ jules verne), translated by Lu Xun, was published by Shanghai Universal Publishing House. Similarly, the author of this book is also wrong, marked as Wei Nan in Britain; Structure or chapter, divided into 12 cycles.
In the same year, Xiao Ran Yusheng's Travel Notes of Utopia was published in Fiction MonthlyNo. 1906No. 1 No.2, and only four issues had no ending. This novel shows the author's strong national consciousness and patriotism.
During the period of 1903- 1906, Japanese science fiction writer Shunro Oshikawa's works, such as Airship in the Air, New Stage, Secret Electro-optic Ship, Baiyun Tower, and The World after the Millennium, were translated into Chinese one after another. Among them, Airship in the Air was translated by Haitian Du Xiaozi (1903, Quanming Society), The New Stage was translated by Xu Nianci (1904), and The Secret Electro-Optical Ship was jointly translated by Jinshi and Chu Jiayou (1906, Shanghai Commercial Press).
1February 907, Chen hongbi translated 25 chapters of Dianguan (English ~ Han Jia) from 1907 to1908 (1February 907-1908 65438). Flying to Jupiter translated by Zhou Guisheng was published in the 5th issue of Novel Monthly (1907).
In the same year 165438+ 10, New World in London translated by Zhou Guisheng was published in Novel of the Month190710 (1907165438+/
1908 1, The New Airship was translated by the Compilation Institute of the Commercial Press and published by the Shanghai Commercial Press, with a total of 35 chapters.
In February of the same year, Wu wrote Ten Thousand Years of Guangxu, which was published inNo. 1908,No. 13 (February 8, 908) of Novel Monthly, reflecting certain anti-imperialist and anti-feudal thoughts. This novel has been labeled as "the satire of humorous story in the ideal scientific language".
In April of the same year, Yi Qi Xing Shu (English ~ Stephenson) was translated and published, with chapter 10.
In August of the same year, (Bao)' s "The End of the World" was published in 1908 (No.1908) of Novel Monthly.
In June 5438+10 in the same year, Wu wrote Painting a New Stone for 40 times under the pseudonym of My Folklore in Foshan, which was published by Shanghai Improved Novel Society. Xiao (Bao) published "The Future of Air Combat" in No.2 1908 (No.2 1908 10) of Novel Monthly. The novel Moon and Moon in the same period also published a unique introduction to a good doctor.
In the same year, Gan Ruo wrote "Flying Monsters", criticizing zhina's foreign minister Bao Meigu for giving in to win the favor of foreigners, and expressing his deep hatred for the corrupt Qing government. The New Era by the owner of Bihe Pavilion was published by Shanghai Xiaoshulin Society, with 20 chapters unfinished.
1909, Anonymous wrote Robot Wife, which is quite a novel.
In the same year, Lu's "Faithful Husband Reveals Words" was published by Shanghai Improved Novel Society, and it was published 20 times.
In June 5438+10, Levin's Electric World (Xu Zhiyan) was published in Fiction Times (1909 1), * * * 65438.
In June, 19 1 1, a new translation of "Dark World" was published in Fiction TimesNo.19110 (10)
19 12 June, Chamber of Secrets was published in Novel Monthly (19 12:3:3).
On 19 15, Li translated The Beast on a Desert Island (The Lost World).
In September, 19 17, the monthly novel (19 17:8:9) published Science Invisibility.
In the same year, Mr. Mao Dun translated "Hatching Eggs 300 Years Later" (that is, "Giant Bird Island" in English ~ ~ H·G· Wells), which was serialized three times in the student magazine.
19 18 June, incredibly published in Fiction Monthly (19 18:9:6).
1923 10 In October, Jin Feng published "China Ten Years Later" in the first issue of the first volume of Novel World published by the Commercial Press, which is a reflection of his hatred of imperialist atrocities.
1in August, 932, Modern magazine began to serialize Mr. Lao She's A Tale of a Cat City, which was published the following year and published by Modern Bookstore, with a total length of about 1 1 10,000 words. "A Tale of Cat City" is about my adventures in the cat country after I was exiled to Mars. The author satirizes the society at that time with the help of fantasy, which has profound ideological connotation.
1934, Chen Wangdao founded Taibai, a bimonthly publication reflecting social reality and combining science, history and literature, and specially set up a column of "scientific sketch". There are scientific sketches in each issue, hoping to popularize science in the form of sketches. Until 1935 stopped publishing, * * published 24 issues.
1940 Mr. Gu selected three science fiction novels in Science Interest magazine and compiled them into a collection of Peace Dreams, which was published by Shanghai Culture Publishing House. This series contains the dream of peace under the Arctic and the exotic diseases in London. At that time, War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in China was going on, and the danger of world war was approaching. Gu's above works can reflect the characteristics of the times in time. In the same year, Mr. Gu's Sexual Change was serialized in the second volume 1940, 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 of Interest in Science.
In the same year, Shi translated Two Years Holiday (France ~ jules verne), which was published by Shanghai Bookstore.
1942 In February, Mr. Xu Dishan published "The Gill of the Iron Fish" in the semi-monthly gale. This novel takes the oxygen inhalation device in the submarine as a sci-fi conception, and through the tragic experience of a scientist, it reflects the tragic situation of scientists in the old society who have no choice but to serve the country.
In the same year, Wang Jin translated "Zhu Roaming in the Physical World" (namely "The Adventures of Mr. tompkins").
The development of China's science fiction began with the translation of foreign excellent science fiction, which conforms to the law of development. At that time, many famous science fiction writers in the world were translated into Chinese to varying degrees, such as jules verne, H·G· Wells, Shunro Oshikawa and mary shelley. In particular, jules verne's works are translated the most, which makes people think of him first when it comes to science fiction.
The introduction of these excellent western works has made China's sci-fi novels draw a lot of nutrients from them, plus many first-class literary masters (Lu Xun, Liang Qichao, Xu Nianci, Mao Dun, Lao She ...). So when China's own sci-fi appeared, the starting point was not low, and the time was not too late. However, due to objective historical conditions (such as political environment, humanistic environment, scientific atmosphere, the overall quality of the people, etc. ), the number of original science fiction novels in China is not too much in the past half century. The authors of science fiction are mostly accidental, belonging to personal behavior, and there are no professional science fiction writers, so the scale of science fiction literature and art is not large.
Looking at the development of science fiction in China in the past 50 years, it can be roughly divided into two stages: the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China. The development of China's science fiction in these two stages has its own characteristics, but there are also great differences.
In the late Qing Dynasty, the bourgeois revolutionaries showed an upward trend in politics. One aspect of this rise is to try to make the people of China have the concept of modern science. The themes of his science fiction creation or translation mostly revolve around the pursuit of saving the country by science, the awakening of national consciousness, the sustenance of political reform and the promotion of feminist thought. Mr. Lu Xun once said, "To guide the progress of China Group, we must start with science fiction." This is an embodiment of evolutionary thought, which inspires people to struggle, forge ahead, strive for strength and finally improve society through science fiction. It is precisely because of this concept that most of the science fiction novels at this time are mainly about imparting ideas, and the science fiction authors are not real scientific workers or professional science fiction writers, so most of the works are made by the authors who get some scientific terms or superficial introductions from the mass media, and cite this weak scientific knowledge as the basis of science fiction reasoning; This leads to the fact that the sci-fi works in this period are often direct illusions about scientific and technological achievements, avoiding the explanation of scientific principles, and even inventing some scientific theories as the basis of personal sci-fi reasoning.
From the period of the Republic of China to before the founding of the People's Republic of China, there was no breakthrough in the creative environment of science fiction in China, and the creation of science fiction was still an accidental personal act. The thought of "science" advocated during the May 4th Movement failed to directly promote the development of science fiction, but it laid a certain ideological and social foundation for China's scientific literature creation. In the 1930s, various forms of scientific literature began to be created, and science fiction took on a new look. The strong westernization and rigorous attitude towards science fiction has become one of the characteristics of science fiction at this stage. The sustenance of political reform, the awakening of national consciousness, the breaking of feudal superstition and the reflection on scientific application are also reflected in large numbers. During this period, War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the Civil War delayed the development of science fiction. Until the 1930s and 1940s, with the maturity of the scientific environment, some writers represented by Gu had more solid scientific literacy, and their sci-fi novels were more accurate, reasonable, rigorous and meticulous in both scientific principles and scientific reasoning.
Gu once stressed that "how to avoid misunderstanding the fantasy elements in science fiction, especially the fantasy elements in science fiction, is a major problem." This is the first time that China made an appeal on how to conceive science fiction, which to some extent acknowledged the existence value of science fiction. During this period, the popular science purpose given to science fiction has not changed, the difference between science fiction and popular science books has not been distinguished, and the literariness of science fiction has not really been realized.
In any case, the development of China's early science fiction was greatly influenced by western science fiction. For example, the Moon Tribe novel imitates Five Weeks in a Balloon, Dream of Peace is close to Verne's style, Cat City is full of the meaning of Wells, and Mr. Tan of Fallot even inherits the name of Mr. Tan of Fallot.
The representative works of China's early science fiction are: Moon Tribe Novel, Cat City Story, Dream of Peace, Iron Fish Gill, etc.