A collection of significant Chinese short fiction from a pivotal era aims to capture the literary panorama preceding the Communist revolution. This anthology gathers works from prominent modernist writers such as Lu Hsün, Mao Tun, Ting Ling, and Shen Ts' ung-wen, spanning the period from the late Ch'ing dynasty through the Sino-Japanese War and into the early Communist years. The stories, ranging from brief tales to substantial novellas, represent a diverse spectrum of political viewpoints, offering a comprehensive view of Chinese creative activity during a fertile thirty-year span.

This collection is presented as a significant compilation of Chinese modernist short fiction from a crucial historical period. The works included are noted for their historical importance and literary merit, featuring prominent authors who shaped modern Chinese literature. The anthology aims to provide a comprehensive literary panorama, reflecting the diverse political and social landscapes of China from 1919 to 1949. Its inclusion of various viewpoints offers readers a broad understanding of the creative output during this fertile era.