Selections from Ancient Chinese Literary Works (I)

Author: Zhuge Yibing (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-06-01
Features: As humanity steps into the 21st century, the global technological revolution is increasingly profoundly impacting human ways of life, work, and learning, and the field of education is no exception. Online education, with its distinct contemporary characteristics and vibrant vitality, has become a rising force in the educational landscape. Ancient China once created a splendid civilization, with numerous renowned literary masterpieces shining like pearls in this long river. The simplicity of the Classic of Poetry, the magnificence of the Chuci, the depth of the Yuefu, the elaborate style of the Ci and Fu, the grandeur of Tang poetry, the subtlety of Song Ci, the accessibility of Yuan Qu, and the vividness of Ming-Qing fiction—how many readers have been captivated by them. Among these, there are many household names, such as Qu Yuan, deeply attached to his homeland; Cao Cao, a visionary leader; Tao Yuanming, natural and authentic; Li Bai, free and unrestrained; Du Fu, melancholic yet profound; Su Shi, clear and expansive; Li Qingzhao, elegant and graceful; Guan Hanqing, facing life head-on; and Cao Xueqin, who witnessed the vicissitudes of life—these great writers collectively built a glorious history of literary development. Reading ancient literary works allows us to deeply understand the rich emotional world of the ancients, the customs and social dynamics of different eras, and the evolution of social structures and political systems. Appreciating the aesthetic realms presented in these works, admiring the beauty of their wording, the ingenuity of their composition, and refining one's personal character—thus, we can grasp the historical steps of civilization's progress. The development of literary history and the achievements of writers are all embodied in these masterpieces. This selected readings collection strives to include outstanding works, minimizes lengthy annotations, and provides learning prompts to meet the needs of online education, along with thought-provoking questions to complement the study. Selected Readings (Part 1) includes works from the pre-Qin to the Five Dynasties, compiled by Zhuge Yibing; Selected Readings (Part 2) includes works from the Song, Yuan, and modern periods, compiled by Wang Yan. While each volume maintains its independence, they share a relatively unified editorial style. These two volumes can serve as self-study guides for scholars interested in ancient Chinese civilization. If possible, they can be paired with teaching CDs from the Renmin University of China's Online College for this course, creating a complementary learning experience. Thus, readers will gain a more in-depth and detailed understanding of ancient Chinese literature.