Mo's work popular as he declares: Literature is useless

Chinese writer Mo Yan said literature is useless compared with science in his Nobel banquet speech at Stockholm City Hall on Monday.

But in his home country, Mo's literature has never been so popular, with a new collection of his works and an Apple app with digital versions of his books launched in Beijing on Tuesday.

The 2012 Nobel Prize Laureate for Literature Mo Yan receives his Nobel Prize from Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf during the award ceremony at Stockholm City Hall in Sweden on Monday. [Photo/Agencies]

"Now that Mo has accepted the award from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, we hope the release of his collected writings will be the best present to mark the historic moment Chinese literature took its place on the world stage," said Shi Xiang, chief executive of Mo Yan's copyright agency Genuine and Profound Culture Development Co.

Two versions of Mo Yan's 20-volume collection in hardcover are now available, one in simple packaging, and another in deluxe packaging.

The collection covers Mo's works from novellas and novels to short stories, essays, interviews and speeches. It is said to be the first complete collection of the Nobel Prize-winner's work. It also includes Mo's criticism of his own work.

An authorized app was also launched through the online Apple store, with each digital book selling for less than half price of the physical book.

"We hope to set the norm for the e-book market, and thus protect writers' from piracy," Shi said.

Editors received feedback from Mo, who said the e-book is simple to operate and to browse.

"I hope it offers convenient access for young readers to approach my works," Mo said.

The first Chinese Nobel laureate received the Nobel diploma, medal and a document confirming the prize of 8 million Swedish krona ($1.14 million) from the King of Sweden on Monday.