Summary: Làm đĩ

This text consists entirely of front matter, publishing notices, and supplementary materials for the novel Lam Di by author Vu Trong Phung, published by Mai Linh Publishing House in Hanoi in February 1939. It includes a formal dedication written by the author to Phan Khoi, whom the author praises as a uniquely sincere writer in a society full of malicious intent. Following the dedication, the publisher provides an explanatory note regarding the initial serialization of the novel in the newspaper Song Huong, which was edited by Phan Khoi. The note addresses public controversies and protests from critics during its serialization, particularly highlighting a sincere objection raised by the editor of the Catholic newspaper Vi Chua. To help readers understand the true purpose and moral intent of both the author and the publisher, the book includes two letters written by Phan Khoi responding to the newspaper Vi Chua as a supplement to the author's own preface. The section concludes with a detailed table of contents outlining the structure of the book. The contents include an introductory section containing the publisher and author statements, followed by five core narrative chapters tracing the chronological stages of the protagonist's life, titled Tuoi day thi, Ra doi, Lay chong, Truy lac, along with an introductory segment and a concluding segment. Finally, publication details note that the first edition was completed on February first 1939 at the Mai Linh printing house in Hanoi, comprising three thousand standard copies alongside a limited run of special paper editions.

Phan Khoi receives a critical letter from a Catholic priest living in Hue who objects to the upcoming publication of the serial novel Lam Di in the newspaper Song Huong. The priest argues that publishing such a work will pollute the newspaper and corrupt public morals. Writing back from Hue on August 13, 1936, the editor expresses initial appreciation that a member of the clergy takes such an active interest in secular matters. However, he counters the priest's objections by pointing out that the priest is thinking like a conventional Confucian scholar rather than looking at truth, which is inherently harmless. To defend the publication, the editor invokes the teachings of Jesus Christ and passages from the Bible. He recalls the teaching that nothing in the world is truly dirty except the evil thoughts and arrogance that originate within the human heart. He also notes that Jesus permitted a prostitute to approach him, acting as a physician who comes to help the sick rather than shunning those he deems foul. The editor gently questions whether the priest is attempting to be holier than Christ himself, warning that focusing solely on external purity while maintaining internal corruption resembles the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. The editor explains that the newspaper is publishing the novel with a sincere desire to help and save society, rather than viewing the subject matter as unclean. He adds that even the Old Testament records various bodily functions and marital relations without treating them as inherently filthy. Furthermore, he assures the reader that the novel will be written in a decent manner without any intent to arouse improper desires. Concluding his letter, he thanks the priest for his concern but asks him to allow the newspaper staff to continue their work freely, noting that this open response will also be published in the newspaper.