Read the Notes from the Grass-Roots Studio: Modern Version

Author: (Qing) Ji Yun / Huang Chenchun adapted
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The content of Notes from the Grass-Roots Studio is extensive and diverse, often described as a comprehensive miscellany. It covers politics and economics, as well as folk customs and traditions. It includes supernatural and eerie tales, as well as the author's real-life observations of family, friends, and himself. There are divination practices like fortune-telling by scapulimancy and calligraphy, as well as direct moralizing teachings. The writing is concise and sharp, with thorough and meticulous reasoning. Lu Xun once remarked on the development of vernacular short stories that it "later had no one who could match its style." The original work was written by Ji Xiaogang, an erudite and insightful author, and Notes from the Grass-Roots Studio is a gem among his writings. This book selects 140 stories from the original work, categorized into: Discussing the Heavens, Discussing Ghosts and Foxes, Discussing Love, and Subtle Words Revealing Truth. After each story, there is the author's "Whisper of the Heart," guiding readers to appreciate the wisdom of the "talented scholar under heaven." Throughout his life, Ji Xiaogang navigated political storms with ease and succeeded in love, accumulating a wealth of life experiences. His observations, insights, and writings serve as a reference for future generations.