Lu Tongliu, 1938-2005, was born in Danyang, Jiangsu Province in 1938. He graduated from Leningrad University in the former Soviet Union, majoring in Italian Literature. After returning home, he became the vice-head of China' Social and Technology Institute, assistant editor of Foreign Literature Comments, director of the Chinese Translation Association, dean of the Chinese International Culture College, and president of the National Italian Arts Committee.

Lu Tongliu was significantly involved in the research and translation of Italian literature for over 40 years, and he was a champion of Italian culture and art. He was especially interested in medieval and classical works, and won praise by being called "a pioneer of Italian literature and culture" by a former ambassador from Italy. He is the only Chinese scholar to win three medals, the Knight Medal, the Chevalier Medal and the Gold Medal for Science and Culture. He was the recipient of many other awards, such as the Italian Modello International Literature Award, the Pirandello Awards, the Lyniano Award and the Chen Xiangmei Literature Publishing Award.

Lu Tongliu died of an illness in Beijing on October 28, 2005 at age 67.

(China.org.cn July 29, 2008)