This is in reply to Li Guangyi's prompt for discussion on whether or not Liu Cixin is / can become a 'world-class' SF author (see this post for the copy of the original email). I'd like to throw in my tuppence worth on the topic of 'worldwide reputation' - or, rather, on popularity. The issue of definitions is of prime importance here: what do we mean by 'world-class author' or 'worldwide reputation'? What or whom is an author to be measured against in order to determine his 'ranking' (as suggested by 'world-class'), and who is to be the judge of the author's 'reputation'?

Undoubtedly, Mr. Liu is a good SF writer, and maybe the best in china, but certainly not in the world. Actually, I think he just got contrary of the main of SF in the world. The main SF writers, since Wells, even including those on the New Wave or Cyberpunk, usually estimated science and technology [...]

Roundup: A Look Back at Chinese SF in 2010

This paper reviews in detail Lu Xun’s translation of science fiction when studying in Japan, and makes farther analysis. At first, by describing the historical details of the publication of Lu Xun’s translation works of science fiction, and close reading of the texts, the paper discusses Lu Xun’s early literary ideas and social thoughts embodied in the translating activities. In the second part, the paper analyzes Lu Xun’s view of science fiction on the basis of his “Preface to From the Earth to the Moon.” In conjunction with Lu Xun’s life experience, the third part points out the main factors that impelled him to translate and introduce science fiction. In conclusion, this paper advanced some critical comments on Lu Xun’s translation of science fiction, plus some issues to be explored.