Years
Age
Biographical History
1895
1
Born on October 10 to a mission family at Changchow County , Fujian Province, China , and lived with his father Lin Zhicheng, mother Yang Shunming, six brothers, and two sisters. Lin was the fifth child and named Hele under the “family registry.”
1900
6
Entered the Christian Mingxin primary school.
1904
10
Transferred to another Christian primary school at Gulangyu, Xiamen , where he was first exposed to western culture and lifestyle.
1907
13
Entered the middle school of Xunyuan Academy in Gulangyu. Conceived the idea of improving the traditional Chinese radical index.
1911
17
Entered the eminent English school St. John's University in Shanghai and laid down a foundation in the English language. His name changed to Yutang.
1912
18
His second eldest sister Meigong died of illness, for which Lin often felt great remorse.
Lin became doubtful toward theology and reenrolled in the liberal arts department in September, majoring in linguistics. He later abandoned religion during his teaching in Tsinghua University , and embraced humanism instead.
1913
19
Won the school's gold medal award with an English short story during his second year of university. This was Lin's debut work.
1915
21
Became engaged to Liao Cuifeng, daughter of Xiamen 's wealthy businessman Liao Yuefa. Didn't marry until four years later due to a lack of affection.
1916
21
Graduated as salutatorian from university, and was invited to teach intermediate English in Beijing 's Tsinghua University .
Lin began to ardently study Chinese classical literature, linguistics, and also methods of improving the Chinese index.
1917
23

Published the “Chinese Index System” with a preface written by Cai Yuanpei, former president of Peking University, and Qian Xuantong, and initiated a movement of change in the radicals of Chinese characters.

1918
24
Published thesis “Compiling method for a categorized idiom dictionary” in the Journal of Tsinghua University.
1919
25
The Ministry of Education set up the “Preparatory Committee for Standardizing the National Language” and Lin was invited to become a member.
Having fulfilled his three-year teaching term in Tsinghua, Lin applied for a half-sponsored scholarship from the university to pursue further education in the U.S.
In summer, Lin and Miss Liao married in Shanghai . While the couple were completely different from each other, they became complementary to each other after marriage, and supported each other until the end of their days.
In August, the couple went to U.S. and in September, Lin entered the graduate program in Comparative Literature at Harvard University .
1920
26
Tsinghua's scholarship was cancelled without cause, so Lin turned to Peking University to apply for an advance draw, and Hu Shi generously wired a sizeable amount of money to Lin.
After completing one year of study at Harvard, due to a lack of funds, Lin applied to work educating Chinese laborers in France.
1921
27
Transferred to the University of Jena in Germany to make up lost credits for Harvard.
1922
28
Obtained Harvard master degree.
Received financial assistance from Hu Shi again. Entered the University of Leipzig , which was renowned for its linguistic study, to study for a PhD degree in Chinese phonology.
1923
29
Granted a PhD in linguistics with the thesis “Ancient Chinese phonetics.”
After returning to China , Liao gave birth to Lin's eldest daughter Fengru, later renamed Rusi, on May 6 in Xiamen .
In September, Lin took a position as an English professor in Peking University and English lecturer in Peking Normal University .
Began to publish writings with the pen-name Yu-tang.
1924
30
In May, Lin first devised the Chinese translation for “humor,” which became widely used in Chinese.
In December, Lin began to compose articles for “Yu Shi” weekly magazine, and often criticized politics.
Invented the “Chinese Number Index Method” and “New Chinese Phonology Index.”
1925
31
Became a member of the “Chinese Roman Phonetic Transcription Research Committee” under the Ministry of Education.
Published the “Last Stroke Index Method,” and continued to study the index methods with hope of inventing an easy-to-use Chinese typewriter.
1926
32
Took a position as a professor and dean in Beiping Women's Normal University , and had close interaction with Lu Xun, a future famous writer.
On April 1, second daughter Yuru, later renamed Wushuang and then Taiyi, was born in Beiping.
Near the end of April, Lin was wanted by the government of Duan Qirui, a local warlord, and thus returned to Xiamen for refuge and taught in Xiamen University .
1927
33
Xiamen University encountered personnel unrest. Lin resigned and moved to Shanghai .
In March, Lin was invited to take office as the secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Wuhan Province . Later, Lin flew to Shanghai and began to fully engage in his writing.
1928
34
The “Chinese Roman Phonetic Transcription” was officially implemented.
Lin was employed by the Academia Sinica as the chief English Editor.
Published a one-act tragicomedy “Confucius Saw Nancy,” which exasperated the offspring of Confucius.
Published the “Kaiming English Books” that became widely popular throughout the nation, and Lin was granted the title “King of copyright royalty.”
In December, Lin reorganized his early works and published the “Jian Fu Collection,” which showed his left wing side from his youth.
1929
35
Employed as a special contract researcher in historical science in the Academia Sinica, as well as an English professor in the Law College of Soochow University in Shanghai .
1930
36
In July, Lin became a columnist of “The Little Critic” for China Critic Weekly.
July 11, third daughter Xiangru was born in Shanghai .
Co-founded the Chinese branch of the International P.E.N. in Shanghai .
Wrote for the English version of the China Critic Weekly and established a reputation as an outstanding English writer.
1931
37
Employed as the chief editor of western languages in the Academia Sinica, as well as a researcher in the Institute of History and Philology.
Represented the Academia Sinica at the annual assembly of the International Alliance for Cultural Cooperation Committee in Switzerland .
Flew to England to research models of Chinese typewriters with English engineers, and had only three pennies left in the pocket he when returned to China .
1932
38
In September, Lin founded the “Analects of Confucius” bi-weekly magazine in which he wrote with the philosophy of “straddling the cultures of east and west while commenting on all articles in the universe” to promote humorous literature. The success of the “Analects of Confucius” granted Lin the title of “Master of Humor.”
1933
39
In May, his “Collection of Essays on Linguistics” was published.
In December, his “Explanation of You-Bu-Wei-Jhai” was also published listing the twenty-two things that Lin would “never do.”
Pearl S. Buck encouraged Lin to write in English and introduce the face of China to the western world. The following year, Lin began to compose “My Country and My People.”
1934
40
In April, the fortnightly “World of Mankind” was founded centered on the writer's ego and adopted “leisure and comfort” as its style to promote the literature of mind and soul. This was the first pure prose publication in China . The publication ceased after its 42 nd issue.
1935
41
Established the fortnightly “Cosmic Wind” in September. The publication discussed life in a frank and open manner, avoiding always sentimentalizing reality. The publication ceased after its 152 nd issue.
The book “My Country and My People” was published with Pearl S. Buck's support and gave a unique analysis on the people of China . Lin leaped to fame and since enjoyed praise throughout the European and American literary circles.
1936
42
Left the “Analects of Confucius” and the Society of the Analects of Confucius.
In September, Lin founded “Western Winds” with Tao Kangde, Huang Jiade, and Huang Jiayin under the goal of “interpreting the essence of western magazines and introducing the life and society of the western people.” The publication ceased after 118 th issue.
Published the English translation of “Six Chapters of a Floating Life” in installments in the Common Wealth Magazine.
The entire family moved to New York and he devoted himself to writing.
1937
43
After the eruption of the July 7 th Incident, Lin published the article “ Japan will not conquer China ” in Time magazine.
Published “The Importance of Living” in November, in which he talked about Chinese people's attitude towards life via his personal experience. The book was immediately chosen as the Book of the Month by the American “Monthly Book Club” in December, and became the U.S. bestseller the following year. The book topped the New York Times' bestseller chart for as long as 52 weeks. It was Lin's most widely translated and best selling work.
1938
44
Traveled and resided in Europe, and began planning the writing of “Moment in Peking ”.
Published “The Wisdom of Confucius.”
1939
45
Returned to the U.S.
In November, Lin published his first novel “Moment in Peking” using “The Dream of the Red Chamber” as its model, and described the transition of China in the recent history. The book was elected as the Book of the Month by the “Monthly Book Club” in December, and was the one Lin was most proud of.
With the break out of war in Europe , Lin published the article “The real threat is not bombs, but concepts” in The New York Times.
1940
46
Flew back to Chongqing to meet Chairman Chiang Kai Shek and Madam Chiang. After returning to the U.S. , Lin began to write for the promotion of China , pointing out the predicament of Japan and criticizing the double-faced manner of the U.S.
Compiled works from “The Little Critic” into a book “With Love & Irony.”
Published the English translation of “The Travels of Mingliaotse” and “The Importance of Understanding.”
Awarded an honorary PhD degree in Arts by Elmira College in New York .
1941
47
Published the second novel “Leaf in the Storm,” a story of love and tragedies during the war period.
1942
48
Published “The Wisdom of China and India ”, which introduced China and India 's ancient classics.
Awarded honorary PhD degree in Arts by Rutgers University in the State of New Jersey .
1943
49
Published “Between Tears & Laughter,” which talked about the world's peace issues from Chinese political philosophy, and consequently offended the British and the anglophile Americans.
1944
50
Published “The Vigil of Nation”, which exposed the truth inside the KMT-CPC relationship in a novel style. The novel exasperated the American left-wing and communist followers.
Returned to China again, and gave a speech on “Eastern & western cultures and psychological construction” in Chongqing 's Central University at the end of the year.
1946
52
Awarded an honorary PhD degree in Humanities by Wisconsin 's Beloit College .
1947
53
Completed “The Gay Genius: The Life and Times of Su Tungpo,” after three years of work, which became Lin's favorite work.
Lin's long researched “Chinese Fast Typewriter” was successfully invented in New York and cost US$120,000 to develop. It was the most light and easy-to-use Chinese typewriter at the time. Unfortunately Lin encountered civil strife in China during the time and the typewriter failed to be produced, leaving him on the verge of bankruptcy.
1948
54
Signed a contract with “Mergenthaler Linotype Company” to research the possibility of manufacturing the typewriter.
Flew to Paris to take up the post as the chief of Art and Culture Team of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Resigned after six months to concentrate on writing.
Published the full-length novel “Chinatown Family.”
Published “The Wisdom of Laotse.”
1950
56
Published “The U.S. Policy on Taiwan ” in Taipei 's “Citizens' Daily.”
Published “Miss Tu,” which rewrote the stories of “Miss Tu Sinks the Jewel Box in Anger” from Feng Menglung's “General Speaking for Warning Mankind.”
Published “On the Wisdom of America .”
Left France and returned to the U.S. Lived in New York until June 1966.
1951
57
Sold the typewriter's patent to “Mergenthaler Linotype Company” keeping only the literary property rights to the keyboard.
Published “Widow, Nun and Courtesan: Three Novelettes From the Chinese Translated and Adapted by Lin Yutang,” which translated parts of “The Quan Village” and “The Travels of Lao Ts'an – Part 2,” and rewrote “Miss Tu.”
1952
58
The United States Patent and Trademark Office granted patent to the “Chinese Fast Typewriter.”
In April, Lin established the monthly “Tian Feng Magazine” in New York and took the post as publisher, with his daughter Lin Tai-yi and her husband as chief editors. The content of the magazine resembled that of “West Wind,” and took in work from Chinese writers based in the U.S. , England , and Hong Kong .
Published the “Famous Chinese Short Stories, Retold by Lin Yutang,” which rewrote 20 legendary stories from the Tang Dynasty.
Published “Widow Chuan: Retold by Lin Yutang.”
1953
59
Published the full-length Huijiang story “The Vermilion Gate,” which formed part of the trilogy with “Moment in Peking ” and “Leaf in the Storm.”
Split from A John Day Book Company owned by Mr. & Mrs. Pearl S. Buck due to copyright and royalty problems.
In December, invited by the executive committee of Singapore 's Nanyang Technological University to take the post as university president. Lin set the condition that the university's facility and teacher quality must meet first-rate international standards.
1954
60
In May, Singapore 's Nanyang Technological University was officially established with Lin as its president. In October, Lin and the family arrived in Singapore .
1955
61
Got unintentionally involved in the political whirlpool instigated by the communists, and resigned in April with the entire staff of the university. Lin later set off on a journey across Europe . The unpleasant experience made Mrs. Lin suffer from mental illness.
Traveled to and settled down in Cannes , France .
Published the full-length science fiction novel “Looking Beyond.”
1957
63
Invited to give lectures in Buenos Aires , Argentina .
Began to go to church with his wife at a Presbyterian Church.
Published the historical biography of “Lady Wu.”
1958
64
Published “The Secret Name,” which examined the process of Russia shifting from extreme left to extreme right from a historical perspective.
Invited by former president Ma Hsingyeh of Central Daily News to visit Taiwan . Lin and his wife arrived in Taiwan for the first time and stayed for two weeks.
1959
65
Published “From Pagan to Christianity,” which narrated his migration from a pagan to embracing Christianity again.
Published “The Chinese Way of Life.”
1960
66
Published “The Importance of Understanding: Translations from the Chinese.”
1961
67
Published “Imperial Peking: Seven Centuries of China ” with a planning map of Beijing .
Published the full-length novel “The Red Peony,” which described the brave love-seeking story of a married Chinese woman during the end of the Ching Dynasty.
1962
68
Invited by Ma Hsingyeh to visit and give speeches in six countries around Central and South America .
Published “The Pleasure of a Nonconformist,” which assembled the texts of his speeches given during his visit to Central and South America .
1963
69
Published “Juniper Loa.”
1964
70
Published the anticommunist novel “The Flight of Innocents.”
1965
71
In February, invited by Ma Hsingyeh, chief of the Central News Agency, to write for the column “All World Talk,” and began to write in Chinese again.
Published the “All World Talk Volume One.”
1966
72
Visited Taiwan for the second time and began preparations for settling down in Taiwan .
In June, returned to reside in Yangmingshan. Temporarily lived at No. 42, Yongfu Village before the new residence was completed. The new residence was designed personally by Lin and constructed by Taiwan 's first generation architect Wang Dahong. The architecture combined both Chinese and southern European characteristics.
Published “Objective Discussion About Gao E” and discussed the reality of “The Dream of The Red Chamber” after Chapter 40, which provoked debates on the study of “Redology.”
1967
73
Invited by the Chinese University of Hong Kong to be a research professor and took charge of the compilation of the “Chinese-English Dictionary of Modern Usage,” which adopted the Instant Index System and Simplified Chinese Roman Characters as its index and phonetic transcription.
Reedited the “New Kaiming English Books”.
Published “The Chinese Theory of Art: Translation from the Master of Chinese Art”
The “Instant Index System” was granted patent by the Ministry of the Interior.
Published the “All World Talk Volume Two.”
1968
74

Invited to serve as a board member for Mandarin Daily News.
Represented the country at the annual assembly of International Association of University Presidents held in Seoul , South Korea , in June. Delivered a speech on “Promoting the integration of West and East.”

1969
75
Became president of the Chinese PEN, a position he held until February, 1975. Served as honorary president of the organization afterwards.
1970
76

On June 16, the 3rd Asian Writer's Conference of International P.E.N., held by the Chinese PEN, kicked off in Taipei . The conference was hosted by President Lin Yutang. Also invited to be present included Kawabata Yasunari, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
On June 29, the 37th annual assembly of International P.E.N. was convened in Seoul , South Korea . On July 3, Lin delivered a speech on “Humor in the East and West.”

1971
77

Displayed initial symptoms of a stroke.
On January 9, Rusi, Lin's first daughter, committed suicide due to chronic depression, The loss of his daughter at such a late age was a big blow to Lin and his wife. Lin, who had been in very good shape, saw his health deteriorate and aged very fast afterwards.

1972
78

Fatigue, both physically and mentally, caused small intestine to descend abnormally. Afterwards, he went to Hong Kong several times to stay with another of his daughters.
In October, “Lin Yutang's Chinese-English Dictionary of Modern Usage” was published. Lin viewed the book as the peak of his writing career.

1974
80
“All World Talk Collection” was published.
1975
81

The 40th annual assembly of International P.E.N. took place in Vienna . Lin was elected as vice president.
In the same year, his work “Moment in Peking ”made him a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature.
"Memoirs of an Octogenarian” was published.
Hwa Kang Journal published “The theses collection in celebration of 80-year-old Lin Yutang.”
Arthur James Anderson, an American, edited "Lin Yutang: The Best of an Old Friend."

1976
82

On March 23, he was sent to the hospital after having a gastric hemorrhage. He later had a heart attack and died in the evening of March 26.
On March 29, his body was sent back to Taipei . His memorial service was held at Grace Baptist Church .
On April 1, a bible was placed in the coffin next to his body. Lin was laid to rest in the garden behind his house. ChengMu, his best friend, wrote the epitaph on his tomb.
In May of 1985, his residence on Yangmingshan was turned into the Lin Yutang Memorial Library. On March 26, 2002, the library was changed into the Lin Yutang House, opening after renovations.