Lives of Great Men

Name: Lives of Great Men
ISBN: 9787538579178

Romain Rolland / 王川Northern China Women & Children Publishing House · ChinaJul 2015

4.0

Word count: 137K words
Chapters: 16
ISBN: 9787538579178

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Summary

Part of the “Master-Recommended World Classics” series, this book is compiled in accordance with the extracurricular reading list issued by the Ministry of Education for primary and secondary school students, selecting the titles best suited to young readers and most helpful to their writing. Renowned literary figures An Wulin, Li Xuebin, Tan Xudong, and Fan Fajia were invited to write personal introductions, guiding young readers to a deeper understanding of these classics. The series' three highlights are its original stories, accessible and lively language, and refined modern illustrations, creating the finest atmosphere for savoring great works. So hesitate no more — let us fall asleep upon the classics and enter the pure and sweet palace of literature together! The work itself is a major achievement by the French writer Romain Rolland, consisting of the “Beethoven,” “Michelangelo,” and “Tolstoy” biographies. With abundant passion, the author sings of the passion and suffering of three geniuses on their journeys through life — selfless and fearless, they devoted all their energy to creating immortal masterpieces expressing truth, goodness, and beauty.

Editor's review

Heroic Lives is a collection of biographies written by the French author Romain Rolland in the early 20th century, comprising The Life of Beethoven, The Life of Michelangelo, and The Life of Tolstoy. Far from a mere compilation of anecdotes about famous men, it is Rolland's profound interpretation of 'heroism' at the turn of the century. By portraying three masters who reached the pinnacle in music, art, and literature respectively, Rolland seeks to show that true greatness comes not from power and conquest but from fidelity to the human spirit amid suffering. Beethoven battles deafness, Michelangelo is torn between creation and faith, Tolstoy struggles painfully over conscience and social reality—in Rolland's hands they exist first as 'human beings,' and only then as geniuses. The work stunned the European literary world upon publication; its timeless power lies in its exploration of an eternal question: how does the individual hold fast to an inner beacon amid the waves of fate? For today's readers, the value of Heroic Lives lies not only in learning the lives of historical figures but in the spiritual coordinates it offers—in a materialistic, noisy age, a chance to reconsider what gives life weight and dignity. This edition from Northern Women and Children Publishing House offers fluent translation and plain binding, suitable as an introductory read for those new to Rolland or to biographical literature.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers seeking spiritual inspiration and strength in adversity
Those interested in the lives and inner worlds of European masters (Beethoven, Michelangelo, Tolstoy)
Readers who enjoy biographical literature with both literary quality and intellectual depth
Young readers, as a classic for shaping life values

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting light entertainment or fast-paced narrative
Readers seeking only a chronological record of biographical events

Reading tips

Read in order, beginning with The Life of Beethoven—its narrative is relatively focused and emotionally powerful, making it easy to enter
Extend the reading by engaging with the three figures' representative works (Beethoven's symphonies, Michelangelo's sculptures, Tolstoy's novels) to feel the connection between art and life's suffering that Rolland draws
Don't rush to finish; pause after each biography to reflect on its discussion of suffering, creation, and heroism

About the publisher

Northern China Women & Children Publishing House China · Founded in 1984

Northern China Women & Children Publishing House focuses on books for women and children. Its current catalogue contains 488 titles, with common categories including foreign literature, classic works, examination books, Eastern philosophy, and essays and miscellaneous writings. Representative books include The Old Man and the Sea, The Short Stories of Hemingway, The Little Prince, The Diary of Anne Frank: A Must-Read for Growing, Lost Girls, Master-Recommended World Classics: Andersen's Fairy Tales, The Complete Sherlock Holmes, and Selected Prose of Lu Xun. Authors represented include Ernest Hemingway, Anne Frank, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and Hans Christian Andersen, as well as Ren Xiaohong, He Zong, Zhou Lixia, and Liu Xixian. Judging from the catalogue, the press combines translations of foreign literary classics with reading for young people, and also covers examination books, Eastern philosophy, and essays. Public information is limited, and its publishing characteristics require further confirmation.

版权信息
原著者简介
导读
贝多芬传
序言
第一章贝多芬传
第二章贝多芬遗嘱
第三章贝多芬书信
米开朗琪罗传
序
引言
米开朗琪罗传
托尔斯泰传
序言
托尔斯泰传
托尔斯泰逝世前两个月写给甘地的信

FAQ

Is Heroic Lives an accurate biography of real historical figures?

Rolland based his writing on extensive historical sources but leaned toward spiritual biography. Through selection, distillation, and literary rendering, he aimed to reveal inner struggle and radiance rather than exhaustively document every biographical detail. It is therefore strongly interpretive, a biography valuing both literary and intellectual qualities.

Is this book suitable for middle-school students?

Very much so. Its language is beautiful, its stories moving, and it conveys positive values such as perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of truth. Its profound depiction and transcendence of suffering can guide young people to reflect on the meaning of life; it is excellent inspirational reading for growing up. Reading with teacher or parental guidance and historical context is recommended.

What core idea does Romain Rolland express through Heroic Lives?

Rolland opposes defining heroes by success or power. He holds that 'a great heart' is the mark of a hero—souls devoted to humanity who uphold goodness and truth amid pain. By showing the fragility and struggle of three geniuses, he tells the world that heroism exists in every individual who dares to defy fate and stay true to oneself.

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About the author

Romain Rolland Author · French · 1866–1944

Romain Rolland (1866–1944) was a French novelist, playwright, critic, musicologist and social activist, born in Clamecy and died in Vézelay. He is best known for novels such as Jean-Christophe, which often center on personal growth and spiritual striving and blend musical experience with social observation, combining idealism with realism; his biographical works, including Lives of the Eminent, also reflect his attention to character and the inner life. In 1915 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for “the lofty idealism of his literary production and the sympathetic and loving veracity with which he has depicted different types of humanity.” The collection includes 115 of his works, spanning foreign literature, world classics, classic works and general biography.

王川 Author

Wang Chuan is a Chinese author with a relatively diverse range of subjects. Public information about him is limited, and biographical details are not available in the current records. His four existing works span different fields: in social science and cultural history, there is A Brief Study of Modern Society in Sichuan and Xikang, which focuses on the modern society of the Sichuan-Xikang region, and Biographies of Cultural Figures of Jiangsu Through the Ages: Huang Gongwang, which presents the life and artistic achievements of a cultural figure in biographical form; Biographies of Famous People also belongs to the general biography category. In addition, Wang Chuan is the author of AI Short Video Practical Guide: Smart Scripts + Image-to-Video + Mastering Jianying, indicating that his writing also extends to digital content production and practical skills. Overall, Wang Chuan's writing crosses social culture, biography and practical guides, balancing scholarly organization with the needs of general readers.