A History of Chinese Literary Theory and Criticism: A Series of Teaching Materials on Chinese Language and Literature from Peking University

Author: Zhang Shao Kang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-11-01
Features: This book divides the historical stages of the development of Chinese literary theory and criticism into five periods, centered on the characteristics and laws of its development, and combining the principles of historical stage features and literary creation development. The five periods are:
1. Pre-Qin – The Period of Emergence;
2. Han, Wei, and the Six Dynasties – The Period of Development and Maturity;
3. Tang, Song, Jin, and Yuan – The Period of In-depth Expansion;
4. Ming and Qing – The Period of Prosperity and Peak;
5. Modern – The Period of Sino-Western Integration.
The development of ancient Chinese literary theory and criticism has a very long history, with extremely rich content and diverse forms. It is a summary of the historical experience of ancient Chinese literary creation, reflects the evolution of ancient Chinese literary concepts, and demonstrates various literary criticism methods, as well as the aesthetic ideals and tastes with national and Eastern characteristics. Studying ancient Chinese literary theory and criticism enables us to deeply understand the excellent literary tradition and artistic spirit of ancient China, recognize its differences from Western literary aesthetics, and provide valuable historical references for building new literary theories in the contemporary era and flourishing literary creation in the new era.
May this textbook play a modest role in popularizing the basic knowledge and historical development of ancient Chinese literary theory and criticism.