Chinese and French scholars have grown significantly closer over the past decades, reflecting the significant progress in fostering intellectual and cultural exchanges and solidifying the bonds between the two nations who are celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.
Classic Chinese novel "A Dream of Red Mansions", which tells the story of the rise and fall of four noble families, was written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Chinese-French translator Li Zhihua spent 27 years translating "A Dream of Red Mansions" into French, and his translation was the first version of the book to be published in France.
Andre d'Hormon, a renowned sinologist from France, became a mentor to Li and helped him with the proofreading and revisions to the translation.
D'Hormon, who lived in China for nearly half a century, was one of the founders of the Sino-French University.
With the help of Li, d'Hormon worked on the masterpiece during the last decade of his life when he secluded himself in the Royaumont Abbey in Asnieres-sur-Oise, 30 km north of Paris.
Isabelle Crespelle, a former staff member at Royaumont Abbey, recalled how the translation of the masterpiece was completed.
"When Andre d'Hormon arrived in France, he was responsible for correcting the translation of 'A Dream of Red Mansions.' And this translation was entrusted to Li Zhihua," said Crespelle.
"Li came to Royaumont Abbey regularly to discuss the translation of 'A Dream of Red Mansions' with Andre d'Hormon," said Crespelle.
Li Zhihua's son, Li Yuan, said that the translation was very difficult due to its extensive length and intricate writing style. His father spent a lot of time working with d'Hormon to complete the remarkable piece of work.
"They reread together what my father had translated with my mother during the week and Andre d'Hormon offered his revisions on what my father had brought him the week before," said Li Yuan.
"The translation was very difficult due to its length, and there are more than 3,000 pages in the French translation. Another difficulty is the content, because there were many poems in different styles. Andre d'Hormon was a fine connoisseur of Chinese poetry, and it took him a lot of time to put it into verses," said Li Yuan.
The French translation, representing the tremendous contributions of Li Zhihua and D'hormon, was published in France in 1981.
"I had no idea that it was such a considerable work. I was totally shocked when I saw the two volumes of 'A Dream of Red Mansions' published by the La pleiade," said Crespelle.
Chinese, French scholars foster stronger bonds through Chinese classic novel
