American Translator and Longtime Beijinger Sidney Shapiro Dies at 98

Steven Schwankert | Oct 21, 2014 8:15 pm | 2 comments | 2931 reads

In the measuring contest that is expatriate life in Beijing, no one could top Sidney Shapiro, who moved to China in 1947 and died here on October 18.

Born in Brooklyn in 1915, Shapiro got his first taste of China during World War II, when the US Army decided he should learn Chinese in advance of a possible Allied landing here. He finally arrived in 1947, and met his future wife, actress Feng Zi, a supporter of the Chinese Communist Party.

Employed by Foreign Languages Press in Beijing, Shapiro translated the Chinese classic Outlaws of the Marsh, also known as Water Margin (水浒传), into English, along with working on modern novels like Ba Jin's Family (家).

Shapiro was granted Chinese citizenship in 1963, still extremely rare, and served on the Chinese People's Political Consultative Council.

R.I.P., Sidney.

Photo: Photoshelter

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Steven Schwankert's picture Steven Schwankert Submitted by Guest on Mon, 10/27/2014 - 17:39

We were very pleased to receive this email regarding Mr. Shapiro's passing:

 

Sir,

Ref.: "American translator and long time Beijinger Sydney Shapiro dies at 98"

Mr. Shapiro was a singular person who led a remarkable life.

Back in the early 80's, I called him to get information about antique Jewish documents in China. We even spoke in our mother tongue, Yiddish. I also explained to him my interest in Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat who saved scores of Hungarian Jews during WWII. He too, was a great admiror of Wallenberg and all the rescuers of the Holocaust.

He made a strong impression on me. A man of great curiosity, ingenuity and intellectual skills.

His amazing life and political views stirred a lot of passion and controversy.

I am sure he will be missed by many.

 

Baruch Tenembaum

Founder

 

The International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation

www.raoulwallenberg.net

34 East 67 Street

New York, NY 10065

USA

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