Foreign Hundred Classics of Prose

Author: Ye Tingfang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: The selection principles of this book are as follows:
1. Not limited to renowned authors, but seeking outstanding works. Since this is merely recommending some literary works of high artistic value for readers to appreciate, rather than providing literary history knowledge, some chapters in the book feature authors whose historical status in literature is even lower than that of excluded writers.
2. Not limited to writers, but seeking renowned texts. Some outstanding figures who were active outside of literature have driven historical progress in fields such as politics, science, art, philosophy, and religion. Their speeches, prayers, eulogies, last words, and letters can be considered timeless masterpieces! Some of them are truly geniuses in the art of writing.
3. Unrestricted by length, but seeking beautiful prose. Regardless of length, only aesthetic value is considered. Some selected texts may be over a thousand words, yet they are masterfully written with ethereal charm, captivating readers. Thus, some chapters in the book are over ten thousand words, while others are less than a thousand. They are all equal in the selection criteria and stand on the same footing. Moreover, many short essays are actually written by great masters.
4. Not limited by form, but emphasizing both content and style. "Literature carries the way," meaning that form and content are evaluated as a whole in aesthetic judgment. This is an inherent aesthetic principle and spirit in China. At least, it still meets the aesthetic needs of contemporary Chinese readers.
5. Combining ancient and modern, with modern works prioritized. This is because the ideas and emotions in works from more recent eras are fresher, making them easier to connect with readers and more readily accepted in terms of aesthetic taste. Additionally, the independent aesthetics of the essay genre in Europe were achieved later, specifically from the late Renaissance. Therefore, the majority of the selected works in this book were produced during this period, especially from the Enlightenment onwards.
6. Regardless of status, each author is represented by one work. This allows for a broader selection of authors and styles.