Pearl S. Buck

 

Easton Press Pearl S. Buck books

All Men Are Brothers - Library of Famous Editions - 1976 

The Good Earth - 2007

Franklin Library Pearl S. Buck books

The Good Earth - World's Best Loved Books - 1977

The Good Earth - Pulitzer Prize Classics -1983

 

 

Pearl S. Buck biography

Pearl Sydenstricker Buck, a literary luminary of the 20th century, was born on June 26, 1892, in Hillsboro, West Virginia, but spent much of her formative years in China. Born to Presbyterian missionary parents, Pearl immersed herself in the language, culture, and people of the vast country that would later become the backdrop for many of her acclaimed works. Educated in both China and the United States, Pearl developed a unique perspective, straddling two worlds and cultures. In 1917, she married John Lossing Buck, an agricultural economist, and the couple returned to China. There, Pearl not only witnessed the tumultuous events of the Chinese Revolution but also became deeply involved in humanitarian work, particularly in advocating for the rights of women and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Pearl S. Buck achieved literary immortality with her masterpiece, The Good Earth, published in 1931. The novel, set against the backdrop of rural China, chronicled the life of a Chinese farmer, Wang Lung, and his family. The groundbreaking work not only resonated with readers worldwide but also earned Buck the Pulitzer Prize in 1932 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1938, making her the first American woman to receive the latter honor. Buck's writing prowess extended beyond the realm of novels. She penned numerous essays, short stories, and nonfiction works that delved into themes of social justice, cultural understanding, and the plight of women. Her commitment to humanitarian causes was further evidenced by her co-founding of the East and West Association, an organization dedicated to fostering better relations between Asia and the West.

 

In addition to her prolific writing career, Pearl S. Buck's life was marked by a passion for adoption. Struck by the plight of children in need, especially mixed-race and disabled children, she founded the Welcome House, an adoption agency that facilitated the adoption of thousands of children from various ethnic backgrounds. Pearl S. Buck's legacy extends beyond her literary achievements. Her ability to bridge East and West through storytelling, her advocacy for social causes, and her pioneering role in the adoption movement left an indelible mark on both the literary world and the broader landscape of human compassion. Pearl S. Buck passed away on March 6, 1973, leaving behind a rich tapestry of words and deeds that continue to inspire readers and advocates for social justice around the world.

The Big Wave

The Big Wave is a poignant and thought-provoking novella written by Pearl S. Buck, first published in 1948. While not as widely known as some of her other works, such as "The Good Earth," this novella remains a significant contribution to children's literature and carries a profound message. Set in a small coastal village in Japan, The Big Wave revolves around the deep friendship between two boys, Kino and Jiya. Their lives are intricately connected to the sea, a force both awe-inspiring and perilous. The narrative takes a turn when a catastrophic tsunami, the "big wave" of the title, strikes the village, bringing about a tragic loss.

The story is not merely a tale of natural disaster but serves as an allegory for life's uncertainties and the inevitability of change. Through the characters of Kino and Jiya, Pearl S. Buck explores themes of resilience, acceptance, and the cyclical nature of life. The novella imparts a profound lesson about facing adversity with grace and finding strength in the face of tragedy. The Big Wave is notable for its simplicity, yet it carries a deep emotional resonance. Buck's narrative skill allows readers, especially young ones, to grasp the gravity of life's challenges and the importance of adapting to change. The cultural backdrop of rural Japan adds richness to the story, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the rhythms of life are dictated by the sea. Pearl S. Buck's exploration of universal themes in The Big Wave demonstrates her versatility as a writer capable of addressing complex subjects for readers of all ages. The novella serves as a timeless and accessible meditation on the human experience, showcasing Buck's ability to distill profound wisdom into a narrative that resonates with both children and adults.

The Good Earth

This tells the poignant tale of a Chinese farmer and his family in old agrarian China. The humble Wang Lung glories in the soil he works, nurturing the land as it nurtures him and his family. Nearby, the nobles of the House of Hwang consider themselves above the land and its workers; but they will soon meet their own downfall.

Hard times come upon Wang Lung and his family when flood and drought force them to seek work in the city. The working people riot, breaking into the homes of the rich and forcing them to flee. When Wang Lung shows mercy to one noble and is rewarded, he begins to rise in the world, even as the House of Hwang falls.

All Men are Brothers

This book is translated from the Chinese by Pearl S Buck. China's great classic novel Outlaws of the Marsh, written in the fourteenth century, is a fictional account of twelfth-century events during the Song Dynasty. One by one, over a hundred men and women are forced by the harsh feudal officialdom to take to the hills. They band together and defeat every attempt of the government troops to crush them. Within this framework we find intrigue, adventure, murder, warfare, romance ... in a connected series of fascinating individual tales, told in the suspenseful manner of the traditional storyteller.