介绍:
Even if you never heard of Jean-Claude Carriere, you must learn about his movies. From the highly acclaimed "The Unbearable Lightness of Being", to the award-winning black comedy "The Tin Drum", this prolific French screenwriter is a force to reckon with in the arena of art cinema.
But when this talented filmmaker encountered Umberto Eco, the late Italian semiotician who was best-known for his novel The Name of the Rose, these two raconteurs started a lengthy conversation about books. And all their dialogues are faithfully documented and transcribed in the hefty publication: This is Not the End of the Book.
Wu Yaling, translator of its Chinese version, explains the book's highlights.
"The book reminds me of Rembrandt, the great painter of the 17th century. He had a small painting called Philosopher in Meditation, which features a man being deep in thought in his studio. I think this book shares the same hue. Two thinkers in their room discuss some ultimately profound issues. They not only explore the past, present and future of books, they also debate about European culture and the evolution of human civilization. Although Eco and Carriere work in different fields, they engage with each other extensively."
Don't be fooled by the title, as the book is not set in a "printed book versus digital reading" scenario. Instead, since both speakers are erudite bibliophiles and fanatical boook collectors, their conversations cover everything related to the book, ranging from its history to its entangled relationship with our society.
For average readers, the rambling yet thought-evoking words of these two polymaths are truly eye-opening. For example, in 18th century France, Hamlet didn't die, since all the translations of Shakespearian works had to be revised to cater to the ethical standards of that time. Or instead of four, there should be more gospels in the Bible, as many scriptures have been eliminated and forgotten throughout history.
Yet in the eyes of Chinese translator Wu Yaling, what impresses her most is the interlocutors' discussion on the nature of books.
"Once they said, human is an ingenious creature. They create civilization, build cities, while produce beauty and wisdom. At the same time, we are stupid and arrogant beings. So what is the role of the book? It salutes to human, to our goodness and ugliness. I think that's the nature of book throughout the time. "
So, will books survive this dynamic, restless and ever-changing digital age?
Eco and Carriere didn't give us a clear answer in their three-hundred-page colloquy.
But maybe, we could cool off a little bit. Because just like the title of book suggests, this is not the end of the book, even though technology has already turned our way of thinking, our collective memory, and our culture upside down.
Here is the translator Wu Yaling again.
"Sometimes, it takes effort to find a book. But that may not be a problem for the future generation. Today, we go to libraries and bookstores; medieval scholars once crossed oceans and continents to collect a rare edition. The efforts and endeavour these people pay are spiritually rewarding. But unfortunately, that may not be the same case for our children. "
Brimmed with intelligent dialogues, witty banter and occasional digression, This is Not the End of the Book is not a speed-reading, but something needs to be savoured and relished. But fear not, readers, as long as you love books, this one could delight and inspire you to no end.
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