On Writing is a book by Zhang Zhongxing about how to write. In it, this veteran, who spent more than half a century immersed in the Chinese language, reflects on his writing experience and insights. Starting with "What Is Writing?" and ending with "Editing and Revising," the book analyzes and discusses every aspect of writing. Its warm, approachable language and practical advice offer something to both teachers and students. Zhang was erudite and deeply learned, with a wealth of experience and a rigorous scholarly approach. His academic writing excels in its knowledgeable exploration of hidden details, while his essays stand out for their clear-eyed, philosophical reasoning. His work is valued for its sincerity, insight, and sound judgment, and for the good it does for society and the human spirit. This book carries on the same style, making complex ideas accessible in a gentle, engaging way.
