A complete Chinese version of William Morris's News from Nowhere emerged in 1930 when intellectuals were desperately looking for a way out from left-wing books following the defeat of the Great Revolution. Disguised by its seemingly faithfulness, this Chinese version deviated from the author's most essential concept and de-familiarized the established translation of both the book's title and author, and alienated readers' expectations. His translation strategies could easily be justified as an effort to evade the official censorship, but it virtually reflected his pessimistic view of life and aestheticist understanding of art.Lin Weiyin also unconsciously brushed a touch of consumerism of modern Shanghai, and the left-wing thought was further compromised by vulgarity. His translation neither lived up to the expectations of 1930s' readers with strong political awareness nor escaped the censorship. However, William Morris's Artistic Socialism outlived the fleeting voice, gradually becoming a strong note of the time.