The Eight Great Masters of Tang and Song Prose

Author: Lai Xinming
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Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: In the history of Chinese literature, prose stands shoulder to shoulder with poetry as a literary genre. The Tang and Song prose represents another peak in the development of ancient Chinese prose, following the pre-Qin and Han periods. As early as the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu You compiled the Collected Works of the Eight Masters, selecting the writings of Han Yu, Liu Zongyuan, Ouyang Xiu, Su Xun, Su Shi, Su Zhe, Wang Anshi, and Zeng Gong. However, this collection has long been lost. In the mid-Ming Dynasty, Mao Kun compiled the Collected Prose of the Eight Masters of the Tang and Song, giving rise to the concept of the "Eight Masters of the Tang and Song." The prose of the Tang and Song dynasties are two closely linked and extremely important stages in the development of Chinese literature. Under their respective historical conditions, they made valuable contributions to the treasure trove of ancient Chinese culture. Tang and Song prose became the model for all future writing. For this reason, the translator and annotator, adhering to the principles of diversified and personalized styles, while also considering the relationship between literature and philosophy, has selected sixty prose pieces that best represent the high artistic achievements of the Eight Masters of the Tang and Song. These works are accompanied by accurate, fluent, and concise annotations and translations, with the hope of sharing these beautiful writings with readers.