Late writer's widow protests auction of letters

A collection of letters and manuscripts that reveal extensive life details and literary views of renowned writer Qian Zhongshu will go under the hammer in June, despite Qian's 102-year-old widow, Yang Jiang, saying it is "very inappropriate" to publicize the family's private communications.

The sale includes a 207-page manuscript in pen of Qian's collected works Ye Shi Ji, and the original copy of Gan Xiao Liu Ji (Six Chapters from My Life "Downunder"), a humorous memoir by Yang, a renowned writer and translator in her own right.

They will appear on the Beijing-based Sungari International Auction's spring auctions on June 21.