Durham receives donation of acclaimed translation of The Four Dreams of Linchuan

Professor Huang Bikang of Peking University, a former Fellow of Durham University's Institute of Advanced Study, presented the books to Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen O'Brien. The donation reflects the long-standing academic relationship developed during his time at Durham.

The books have now been added to the University’s collections and are housed in our Bill Bryson Library.

Professor Huang's translation project offers a fresh interpretation of The Four Dreams of Linchuan.

Drawing on more than a decade of research, he uses Shakespearean poetic style to translate Tang Xianzu's four renowned plays: The Peony Pavilion, The Purple Hairpins, A Dream Under The Southern Bough and A Dream at Handan.

The work brings together two great theatrical traditions: Tang Xianzu's classical Chinese drama and Shakespearean poetic expression.

It demonstrates how translation can act as a form of cultural mediation, enabling literary traditions to reach new audiences across languages and cultures.

The donation also reflects a shared commitment to cultural exchange and to the study of world literature, translation and intercultural understanding.

Image caption: Vice-Chancellor Karen O'Brien with the books on display at Bill Bryson Library.

The project has already attracted international attention.

The donation was made during two book events held in Beijing. The events celebrated the publication of the Chinese translation of Professor Karen O'Brien's Women and Enlightenment in Eighteenth-Century Britain. They also provided opportunities for cultural and academic exchange between Durham and Chinese scholars.

During the events, Professor Huang presented Professor O'Brien with a copy of his translations. The donation representing the long-standing relationship between Durham and Peking University, as well as a shared commitment to supporting intercultural dialogue through literature and translation.

Image caption: Vice-Chancellor Karen O'Brien being presented the books by Professor Huang Bikang.

At the London Book Fair, readers, publishers and literary professionals praised the translations for their literary elegance, cultural significance and innovative approach.

The donation further strengthens links between Durham and Peking University.

It also provides a valuable resource for students, researchers and members of the wider community interested in comparative literature, theatre studies, translation and Chinese culture.

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