author
Heng Lian
1878–1936
Best known for writing one of the earliest full histories of Taiwan, this poet and scholar helped preserve the island’s language, literature, and historical memory. His work still stands out for its mix of cultural pride, careful research, and literary style.
1 Audiobook
臺灣通史 唐山過海的故事
by Heng Lian
About the author
Born in Tainan in 1878, Lien Heng (also written Lian Heng, 連橫) was a Taiwanese historian, linguist, and poet. He is most closely associated with The General History of Taiwan (Taiwan Tongshi), a landmark work that made him one of the key literary and historical voices of early modern Taiwan.
Alongside his historical writing, he also worked on poetry and language study, including books connected to Taiwanese literature and vocabulary. His writing is often remembered for trying to record Taiwan’s past in a serious, wide-ranging way while also affirming the value of local culture.
Lien Heng died in 1936. Even now, he is widely remembered as an important figure in Taiwanese letters whose work helped shape how later readers understood Taiwan’s history and identity.