The Sharp Maiden Pen: Selected Works from Thirteenth Sister’s Columns is the first compilation of Shisanmei’s (Miss Fang Shiwen) writings. She was a legendary figure whose personal life was a myth. Her critical and fiery character was reflected in her writings, and her courage to speak up made her an idol for many. Born in Vietnam, she was fluent in French, English and Chinese, and introduced ‘new perspectives, new books, new trends and new information’ from western newspapers and magazines to Hong Kong readers. ‘She was very special and people nowadays would still find her fascinating. Xiao Si said when she was in secondary school, her knowledge about the West all came from Shisanmei,’ Professor Fan remarked.

Words of Awakening: Selected Works from the Diary of the Muddle-head was originally a column in the newspaper Tai Kung Pao in the 1950s–1960s, said the book editor Dr. Cheung Wing-mui, committee member of the HKLRC. The writer was Mr. Lin Jiahong (alias ‘Dreamer’), who created an honest but gullible character named ‘muddle-head’ through whom he portrayed the stories of Hong Kong’s grassroots. ‘The book features some old newspaper clippings from Tai Kung Pao, which are relevant to incidents in the novel. Readers will find fun comparing and contrasting old news with the novel, and have a better understanding of the relationship between reality and fiction,’ Dr. Cheung said.

Middleman’s View: Selected Works from Agent La Series is compiled by editor Dr. Hung Chi-kum, honorary research associate of the HKLRC. The series was authored by the so-called ‘weird pen’ Mr. Gao Xiong (alias ‘Sansu’). ‘Agent La’ was a very popular icon in those days. He was money-oriented and the commodities he traded included canned food, pharmaceuticals, jewellery and private property. To find business, he witnessed all kinds of eccentricities in society.