Chu Ci

Author: Liu Qinghua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The Chu Ci is a new poetic form created by the Chu people, represented by Qu Yuan, during the Warring States period. It emerged as a new type of poetry after the 300 poems of the Book of Songs. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Liu Xiang compiled ancient texts and edited the works of Qu Yuan, Song Yu, and others into a book, naming it The Chu Ci. From then on, "Chu Ci" became the name of a comprehensive anthology. As for later generations referring to Li Sao as "Sao," similar to how the Book of Songs was called "Feng," although the names do not perfectly match the reality, they were intentionally used to distinguish between the Chu Ci and Han Dynasty prose. The Chu Ci that appeared during the Warring States period was a new poetic form created by southern writers, led by Qu Yuan, based on southern folk songs. Together with the masterpiece of Central Plains literature, the Book of Songs, it formed the two major sources of Chinese poetry history, holding a special significance in the history of Chinese literature. This book, based on the annotations of ancient and modern scholars such as Wang Yi, Hong Xingzu, Zhu Xi, Wen Yiduo, and Jiang Liangfu, strives to provide concise, accurate, and vivid translations and annotations. Its purpose is to enable more people, especially ordinary readers, to gain a deeper, more comprehensive, and more direct understanding of this "masterpiece with echoes that transcend the ages," allowing Qu Yuan's spirit to become an eternal spiritual homeland that sharpens our character, inspires us to consciously shoulder historical missions and social responsibilities, and revives our nation.