Lu Hsun (also known as Lu Xun), was the pen name of Zhou Shuren (1881-1936), a short story writer, editor, translator, literary critic, essayist, poet, and educator. Xun is widely regarded as the most important writer of modern Chinese literature and is best known for his savage satire on the plight of his native China in the early twentieth century. His three short story collections, Call to Arms, Wandering, and Old Tales Retold, are acclaimed classics. In addition, his academic study, A Brief History of Chinese Fiction, and companion compilations of classical fiction remain standard works. His translations, especially those of Russian works, are also considered significant.