HA NOI — Famed writer Vu Trong Phung (1912-39), who made great contributions to Viet Nam's modern literature, received copious praise at a workshop held here on Monday that drew dozens of his successors.

"Phung was a prolific and talented writer," said poet Huu Thinh, chairman of Viet Nam Writers' Association. "He used various literary forms from reportage to short stories and novels to fiercely criticise cruelty and evil and speak out on behalf of good."

Phung, who was dubbed "The King of Reportage in the North," produced sensational pieces which received both criticism and praise till his last gasp on October 13, 1939.

Works like Giong To (Storm), So Do (Lucky Fate) and Lam Di (Being a Prostitute) reflect "hidden corners" of the feudalistic society.

Prof Ha Minh Duc said that Phung read widely and dared to explore.

"His works capture pivotal moments in society, like the period of Westernisation with all its drawbacks," Duc said.

At the workshop, many of his books were on display, including the play Khong Mot Tieng Vang (No Echo), published by printery Dong Tay in 1931, and a collection of short stories called Ky Nghe Lay Tay (Skills to Get Married to Westerners), published by Dong Phuong Publishers in 1936. Attendees could also see copies of the newspaper Ha noi moi (New Ha Noi) from 1936 that contained the first publications of So Do and Giong To and the hand-written first draft of Vo De (Broken Dike), a novel.

Earlier this month, a 32x43mm postal stamp was issued to celebrate the writer's 100th birthday. The stamp features his portrait in front of a background of his work.

Born in the northern province of Hung Yen, Phung is among the country's most famous writers and journalists of the early 20th century. He left behind a collection of more than 30 short stories, nine novels, nine news articles, and seven plays, as well as hundreds of essays on politics, society and culture.

Some excerpts from his works have been included in junior high school text books. — VNS