Chapter 2: Làm đĩ (Summary)

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.