Origins & Early Life

Zheng Zhenduo (December 19, 1898 – October 17, 1958) was a Chinese journalist, writer, archaeologist and scholar. He was also the first director of the Palace Museum at the Forbidden City. He made a significant contribution towards the establishment of the Chinese literature and the editing of a variety of literary magazines. In 1921, he, Mao Dun, Jiang Baili, Geng Jizhi (耿濟之), and others organized the Literary Study Society (文學研究會; Wenxue yanjiu hui).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

In 1923, he became the chief editor of Fiction Monthly. In addition, he in succession participated in editing Min Chao (閩潮), Xin Shehui (新社會), Wenxue Xunkan (文學旬刊). In late 1931, he became a professor at both Yenching University and Tsinghua University. He also became the president of Faculty of Arts and the director of Chinese department of Jinan University. He was also the chief editor of The World's Library (世界文庫; Shijie Wenku) at the same time.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, he was assigned to be head of the Cultural Relic Bureau (文物局), Director of the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and literary research institute, the assistant minister of cultural department, committee...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alvar Aalto — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering Finnish architect whose total art approach defined modern Nordic design.
• Ariel Durant — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Ukrainian-born American historian, coauthor of The Story of Civilization.
• Armand Hammer — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): American oil tycoon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for Soviet ties.
• Alec Baldwin — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Versatile American actor known for dramatic depth and comedic timing.
• Andie MacDowell — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Acclaimed American actress and model known for romantic and dramatic roles.
• Andre Geim — Contemporary (Born in 1958) (1958): Pioneering physicist known for groundbreaking work on graphene and Nobel laureate.
• Al-Ghazali — Shared historical date (12-19 · Died) (1111): Influential Sunni polymath, theologian, and mystic of the 11th century.
• Alan Eustace — Shared historical date (12-19 · Born) (1956): Pioneering computer scientist known for his work at Google and record-breaking space dive.
• Adam Michnik — Shared historical date (10-17 · Born) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
• Al-Suyuti — Shared historical date (10-17 · Died) (1505): Egyptian Sunni polymath, renowned for authorship across nearly all Islamic sciences.
• 1898 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1898
• December 19 (12-19) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 19
• 1958 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1958
• October 17 (10-17) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 17