"Intellectuals "carrying words" to make books": A silent epic

At the beginning of the book, the author affirms, "During nearly half a century after 1975, besides the great changes in the country, Vietnamese reading culture has been promoted by people dedicated to the book profession."

Regardless of their position, they all share a burning desire: to convey knowledge through each page of a book, overcoming all barriers and consequences to maintain their belief in the eternal power of words. This work takes place quietly, sometimes full of challenges.

The book is a colorful, panoramic picture of the world of "letter-workers". Each portrait is a separate story, with a unique professional mark.

That is the image of Professor Le A, a studious teacher from Thanh Hoa, who "opened the mountains and broke rocks", building the Pedagogical University Publishing House from a poor learning materials room into a reliable "knowledge center"; with the vision that publishing is not a mere business, but an academic creation, a service to knowledge.

That is also the translator and entrepreneur Nguyen Le Chi, the woman who "went it alone" with ChiBooks, daring to cherish and realize the dream of bringing Vietnamese books across borders. Her story is a testament to the perseverance of the tireless spirit of cultural entrepreneurship: "If no one else does it, I will. Even if it is just a small brick, it is my contribution."

Then writer Tran Chien appeared with a quiet, persistent demeanor. Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Dan, an upright intellectual, "the custodian of the dignity of science ", bravely said "no" to all lies in academia, even though he was struggling with illness...

The book also pays special respect to the figures considered "living milestones" who have shaped the appearance and legal corridor for the Vietnamese publishing industry.

They are Mr. Tran Van Phuong - "Architect" of the 1993 Publishing Law; Mr. Nguyen Thang Vu - "Doraemon Old Man of Vietnam"; Ms. Quach Thu Nguyet - the one who keeps and spreads the fire...

Throughout the 30 stories, a prominent theme is the delicate balance between content value and development practice. As the character Nguyen Cu, former Director and Editor-in-Chief of Literature Publishing House shared: "Books need profit, at least to sustain the profession and reinvest in the next project. But profit does not mean reducing quality or chasing quantity." That is the difficult problem that every "literary person carrying words" must face and find a way to solve with both heart and mind.

The intellectuals who "carry words" to make books are not only a recognition and gratitude, but also a source of inspiration for the next generations. The stories in the books are the flame that is passed on, reminding us of our responsibility to knowledge and the spiritual values of the nation.

LE THIEN AN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhung-tri-thuc-cong-chu-lam-sach-ban-anh-hung-ca-tham-lang-post819494.html