Deaths on April 9

Tsien Tsuen-hsuin, Chinese-American academic (b. 1909)

Tsien Tsuen-hsuin (Chinese: 錢存訓; pinyin: Qián Cúnxùn; 11 January 1910 – 9 April 2015), often known by his English initials T.H. Tsien, was a towering figure whose life seamlessly blended the worlds of academia and courageous cultural preservation. This distinguished Chinese-American bibliographer, librarian, and sinologist dedicated his long and impactful career to the meticulous study and safeguarding of Chinese knowledge and heritage. His work, spanning decades, left an indelible mark on East Asian studies, particularly through his expertise on the history of the Chinese book, printing, and paper.

A Legacy of Preservation: Wartime Heroism and Scholarly Dedication

Born in China on January 11, 1910, Tsien Tsuen-hsuin’s early life unfolded during a period of profound national turmoil. It was against this backdrop of upheaval that he demonstrated extraordinary courage, performing an act that would define his early career and underscore his unwavering commitment to his cultural heritage. During World War II, as Japanese forces occupied vast regions of China, countless irreplaceable cultural artifacts, including tens of thousands of rare and ancient books, faced imminent danger of destruction, theft, or irreversible loss. Risking his own life, Tsien orchestrated and participated in a perilous mission to clandestinely transport these invaluable volumes out of occupied territories. This monumental and incredibly dangerous undertaking ensured the survival of a significant portion of China's literary and historical treasures, a testament to his profound foresight and bravery.

Following these heroic wartime efforts, Tsien Tsuen-hsuin brought his deep knowledge and passionate dedication to the United States. He joined the prestigious University of Chicago, where he became a highly respected professor of Chinese literature and library science. Beyond his significant teaching responsibilities, he also assumed the critical role of curator for the university's East Asian Library. From 1949 until his retirement in 1978, a period spanning nearly three decades, Tsien meticulously developed and curated one of the most comprehensive and important collections of East Asian materials outside of Asia, transforming it into an indispensable global resource for scholars and researchers.

Pioneering Research and Contributions to Sinology

Tsien's academic pursuits were as extensive as they were insightful. His scholarship primarily focused on several key areas that were foundational to understanding Chinese civilization: the history of the Chinese book, Chinese bibliography (the systematic study, description, and classification of books and other literary works), and paleography (the study of ancient and historical writing systems and their decipherment). He gained particular international acclaim for his groundbreaking research into the history of science and technology in China. Within this broad field, his work on the revolutionary advancements of paper-making and printing stood out prominently. These inventions, originating in China, fundamentally transformed global communication and knowledge dissemination.

His most celebrated and enduring contribution in this area is unequivocally his work, Paper and Printing, which constitutes Volume 5, Part 1, of British biochemist and sinologist Joseph Needham’s monumental multi-volume series, Science and Civilisation in China. Collaborating with Needham, Tsien's exhaustive research and meticulous documentation within this volume provided an unparalleled account of the intricate history, development, and global impact of these pivotal Chinese innovations. Through his extraordinary acts of cultural preservation, his tireless efforts as a librarian, and his profound scholarly contributions, Tsien Tsuen-hsuin ensured that the brilliance and ingenuity of Chinese civilization would continue to be understood, cherished, and inspire generations worldwide until his passing on April 9, 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was Tsien Tsuen-hsuin best known for?

Tsien Tsuen-hsuin was renowned for his comprehensive studies on the history of the Chinese book, Chinese bibliography, and paleography. He was particularly acclaimed for his research into the history of paper and printing in China, especially his contribution to Joseph Needham's Science and Civilisation in China. Additionally, he is celebrated for his heroic efforts in smuggling rare books out of Japanese-occupied China during World War II.

What significant act did Tsien Tsuen-hsuin perform during World War II?

During World War II, Tsien Tsuen-hsuin risked his life to smuggle tens of thousands of rare and invaluable Chinese books out of Japanese-occupied territories, thereby preserving a significant portion of China's cultural and literary heritage from potential destruction or loss.

What was Tsien's primary role at the University of Chicago?

At the University of Chicago, Tsien Tsuen-hsuin served as a professor of Chinese literature and library science. He also held the crucial position of curator for the university's East Asian Library from 1949 to 1978, during which he significantly expanded its collection.

What was his contribution to Joseph Needham's Science and Civilisation in China?

Tsien Tsuen-hsuin authored Paper and Printing, which is Volume 5, Part 1, of Joseph Needham's seminal series, Science and Civilisation in China. This work meticulously details the history and impact of paper-making and printing technology in China.

When did Tsien Tsuen-hsuin live?

Tsien Tsuen-hsuin was born on January 11, 1910, and passed away on April 9, 2015, living a long and impactful life of 105 years.