Chansons Populaires Chinoises. Traduit par Ting Oueng. (Collection de la “Politique de Pekin”)
Pekin (Peking: Imprimerie de la Politique de Pékin, 1935. First edition. In publisher’s stab binding. Half title printed in red. [3] 40 [3] p. Wrappers are tanned and chipped at the edges. The first leaf has a small tear at the lower outer edge. A short typewritten poem in English is mounted on the upper edge of the first page. Light foxing is present on the first and last leaves. Overall in very good condition.
Scarce Peking imprint featuring Chinese folk songs in French translation.
This publication is part of the “Collection de la Politique de Pékin,” a series produced by La Politique de Pékin, a significant French-language periodical published in Peking (Beijing) between 1914 and 1940. Directed by Alphonse Monestier, the magazine was supported by the French Consulate and the Commission mixte des œuvres franco-chinoises, and it played a crucial role in bridging cultural and literary exchanges between China and the Francophone world. Known for its unique blend of cultural, political, and literary content, La Politique de Pékin was published in a limited weekly run of approximately 1,000 copies, targeting French expatriates and Chinese intellectuals interested in the evolving cultural landscape of early 20th-century China.
Chansons Populaires Chinoises, translated by Ting Oueng, was published in 1935 as part of the magazine’s “Collection de la Politique de Pékin.” This series included works by diplomats, scholars, and writers associated with the journal, covering topics ranging from literature and history to cultural studies and social commentaries. Reflecting the journal’s dedication to introducing Chinese cultural heritage to its readers, the booklet features traditional Chinese folk songs translated into French, providing a rare glimpse into the lyrical and musical traditions of China. Given the limited circulation of the magazine itself, it can be surmised that these side publications were printed in even smaller numbers, making them particularly scarce and valuable today.
As with other titles in the “Collection de la Politique de Pékin,” this booklet was printed on fine Chinese paper and featured high production standards, enhancing its appeal as both a scholarly resource and a collectible item. The series, known for capturing the rich and evolving landscape of China during a transformative period, showcases La Politique de Pékin’s broader mission to document and share Chinese artistic and cultural expressions. Chansons Populaires Chinoises exemplifies the significant role of La Politique de Pékin as a key mediator of Franco-Chinese cultural exchange during a time of profound transformation.
Scarce; no sales have been recorded by Rare Book Hub, and it appears that only the British Library and the New York Public Library hold copies.
Literature: Guo, Y. (2020). La Politique de Pékin (1914-1940) : Une revue francophone comme espace de traduction de la littérature chinoise moderne. RLC - Revue de Littérature Comparée, 373(1), 39–56.
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Price: €2,000.00