The edition, translated by scholar Nguyen Van Vinh with annotations of classical allusions into Quoc Ngu (Vietnamese romanized script), was printed in 1923 by Hieu Ich Ky, Hanoi. Professor Tran Dinh Su noted this translation features "clear, erudite, and accessible annotations that do not merely showcase knowledge of classical literature." This allows readers to better appreciate the talent of the great poet Nguyen Du. He also considered it one of the early and significant editions of Kieu, helping contemporary readers understand the modernization of Vietnamese literature.

Nguyen Van Vinh (1882-1936) was a journalist, writer, translator, and scholar who made important contributions to Vietnamese literature, journalism, and academia in the early 20th century. Throughout his career, he dedicated himself to "Truyen Kieu," considering it a work that deserved widespread dissemination in modern society.

The edition is released in a limited run of 999 copies, coinciding with the 260th birth anniversary of poet Nguyen Du (1765-1820). *Photo: Nha Nam*

The book also introduces a collection of Kieu paintings, featuring 26 previously unreleased works by renowned artist Nguyen Tu Nghiem, created in 1965. During his lifetime, he spent years painting Kieu, viewing this as a dialogue between artistic tradition, modern spirit, and a distinctive personal visual language.

In his works, the artist did not directly illustrate the storyline but explored the psychological depth, character, and emotions of each figure. He executed the 26 drawings on "do" paper, using materials like graphite, pastels, or oil paint. Luong Xuan Doan, Chairman of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, remarked that Nguyen Tu Nghiem's strokes were simple and fluid, yet the characters from "Truyen Kieu" remained easily recognizable to viewers.

Paintings by renowned artist Nguyen Tu Nghiem in the edition. *Photo: Nha Nam*

"Truyen Kieu" has a rich history of printing, transcription, translation, and annotation. Initially, the work was engraved and printed as a Nom (demotic script) text. Later, researchers transcribed it into Quoc Ngu (Vietnamese romanized script) and undertook textual criticism, commentary, and annotation. Truong Vinh Ky's "Poeme Kim Van Kieu truyen," printed in 1875, is considered the first Quoc Ngu edition of Kieu. This was followed by Nguyen Van Vinh's "Kim Van Kieu," translated and annotated, published in 1913, and reissued in 1915, 1923, and 1933. Subsequent annotated editions included those by Bui Ky, Tran Trong Kim, Le Van Hoe, and Dao Duy Anh.

"Truyen Kieu" is a literary masterpiece written in Nom script, composed in the luc bat (six-eight syllable) verse form, spanning 3,254 lines. Set against the backdrop of Chinese society during the Ming Dynasty, the work recounts the tumultuous life of Thuy Kieu, a woman of exceptional talent and beauty who sells herself to redeem her father after a family misfortune.

Critics regard the work as a pinnacle of Vietnamese literature and language. It has been translated into over 20 languages, including English, Russian, and French, resulting in over 35 distinct versions. The epic also serves as an inspiration for numerous research topics, such as Phan Ngoc's "Understanding Nguyen Du's Style in Truyen Kieu" and Nguyen Quang Tuan's "The Language of Truyen Kieu."

In 2015, a Russian version of the work was published, edited and revised by Doctor Nguyen Huy Hoang. Translator Vu The Khoi handled the prose translation, while Vasily Popov translated the poetry, and Doan Tu Huyen participated in the revision. In 2020, translator Duong Tuong's English rendition was released, titled "Kieu in Duong Tuong's version."

By Phuong Linh