"Semi-official Literature": Xu Chi's Scientist-Themed Reportage and the Mechanism of Literary Production in Early Post-Mao China.

This article delves into Xu Chi's (1914-1996) series of reportage (baogao wenxue) written from 1977-1978 that centered around scientists. These works gained immense attention upon publication, capturing the interest of both the state government and the public. It marked a significant cultural event during the crucial transition following the conclusion of the Cultural Revolution and preceding the official commencement of "Reform and Opening-up" in December 1978. This essay introduces the concept of "semi-official literature" to demonstrate how, with careful planning and organization by editors of state-sponsored literary journals, authors navigated a politically and culturally ambiguous landscape in the aftermath of the Cultural Revolution. A close reading of Xu Chi's works also leads to challenging the prevailing understanding of reportage's generic features, especially regarding the taken-for-granted nonfictional quality and straightforward writing style. This essay underscores the crucial role of state-sponsored literary platforms in facilitating literary production, offering a nuanced understanding of Chinese literature during the pivotal years of the early post-Mao era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]