Sidney Shapiro, a reputed translator and writer, died Saturday at 98 in his home in Beijing just two months short of his 99th birthday.

Born in New York in December 1915, Shapiro first learned Chinese when he was in the US military during World War II. He later came to China in April, 1947. Sympathetic to the Communist Party's cause, he joined the revolution, often using his identity to provide shelter to young revolutionaries and keep them out of the hands of the Kuomintang.

After the War for Liberation ended, he attended the grand ceremony inaugurating the founding of People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.  In 1963, former Chinese premier Zhou Enlai granted him Chinese citizenship.

After the founding of the PRC, Shapiro worked as a translator, introducing Chinese literature and culture to the world. From 1950-70, his translations were an important window for English readers to understand and appreciate Chinese literature.

He earned a high reputation among translators for the high quality of his English translation of the Chinese classic Outlaws of the Marsh. Among his other translations were the first novel to reflect a "red China," New Story of Heroic Sons and Daughters, The Family and The Immense Forest and Snowfield.

In addition to his translation work, he also wrote several books recording his life in China and reflections on Chinese society.

After becoming a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in 1983, a post he held until his death, his dedication to the nation drove him to frequently travel around the country to conduct research.

Global Times