Culturist Huu Ngoc (Photo: Photographer Nguyen Dinh Toan)

Born in 1918 in Hanoi, Huu Ngoc began his career teaching English in Nam Dinh before joining the army. He became editor-in-chief and a reporter for L'Étincelle, the first French-language newspaper established after the August Revolution in 1945 and the first propaganda publication during the resistance war.

For decades, he wrote columns for Le Courrier du Vietnam in French and Vietnam News in English, introducing Vietnamese culture to the world. These writings were later compiled into the renowned book "Wandering Through Vietnamese Culture", published in English, French, and Vietnamese.

American reader Karen Anyse Joslin said: "I really like reading books by writer Huu Ngoc. I had the opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture and I wanted to know what has changed in that culture compared to before so I bought his books."

The book series "Wandering in Vietnamese Culture" by researcher Huu Ngoc was republished by Kim Dong Publishing House in 2018. (Photo: thethaovanhoa.vn)

Among his many scholarly contributions, his work on Hanoi’s cultural identity holds special significance. In 1997, his book "Sketching a Portrait of Hanoi Culture", published in English and French, was selected as a gift for heads of state attending the 7th Francophone Summit in Hanoi. It was the first work to introduce Hanoi's culture to an international audience since the August Revolution.

Beyond writing, Huu Ngoc exported Vietnamese culture through hundreds of cultural exchanges and talks with foreigners.

Culturist Huu Ngoc and his wife on the podium receiving the Grand Prize - Bui Xuan Phai Award - For the Love of Hanoi in 2017. (Photo: Photographer Nguyen Dinh Toan)

Dr. Tran Doan Lam said: “After attending his talks or reading his works, those who already love Vietnam will love Vietnam more, and those who don’t yet love Vietnam will begin to. That is the art of cultural diplomacy Huu Ngoc mastered—speaking from the heart, straight to the heart.”

Throughout more than 70 years of writing, Huu Ngoc produced a vast body of work exploring diverse cultural traditions.

In 1997, at a ceremony awarding the French Order of Academic Palms to culturist Huu Ngoc, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Börje Lunggren from 1994 to 1997 said: “I have never met anyone who builds bridges between cultures like Mr. Huu Ngoc—deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, genuine, and tactful in embracing other cultures.”

Former French Ambassador Claude Blanchemaison (1989–1993)  said: “If there is any intellectual or writer worthy of receiving the French Order of Academic Palms, it is Mr. Huu Ngoc—a great culturist.”

Dr. Lam said: “Culturist Huu Ngoc left behind an extraordinary legacy, both material and spiritual. He authored 34 books in English, French, and Vietnamese and wrote thousands of pages reflecting his profound understanding of both Vietnamese and world cultures and people.”

Even in his final years, Huu Ngoc remained intellectually active. At age 102, he published a two-volume book, “Cảo thơm lần giở”, nearly 1,000-page series profiling 180 global figures including the Buddha, Jesus Christ, Confucius, Sun Tzu, Hegel, Socrates, Darwin, Leonardo da Vinci, and Picasso—alongside three Vietnamese luminaries: Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Du, and President Ho Chi Minh.

Poet Luong Dinh Khoa said: "Culturist Huu Ngoc once told me that the world is like a vast ocean, with countless cultural waves. Without a solid vessel which is our national cultural identity, we would risk being swept away and getting lost in that sea. Those heartfelt words have stayed with me, echoing each time I delve into any aspect of traditional culture. To me, he was a cultural lighthouse, guiding younger generations in their journey to discover and cherish their roots. His legacy will forever remain a resonant melody in the hearts of every Vietnamese who treasures culture."

With his tireless dedication, Huu Ngoc was honored with the Independence Order, the Military Exploit Order, the French Order of Academic Palms, the Swedish Legion of Honor Order, the French Mot d'Or Prize, and the 2015 National First Prize in Foreign Information. Though he has passed, Huu Ngoc continues to be remembered as the one who built enduring bridges between Vietnamese and world cultures.