The Story of the Stone - The True Story (1-10)

Author: Cao Xueqin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The True Stone Story compiles over ten ancient manuscripts that have been discovered and preserved. It provides a comprehensive collation and displays all variations, making it a reliable Stone Story close to Cao Xueqin's original handwriting. The book is named The True Stone Story because Mr. Zhou Ruchang explains that "Hui" means gathering and understanding, while "Zhen" refers to the true style, essence, and spirit of Cao Xueqin's original writing. The purpose of publishing this collation is to preserve Cao Xueqin's authenticity, that is, the original form and truth of the manuscript or fine copies from over 200 years ago. The book differs from current editing practices in terms of editorial style, expression, and format, instead pioneering a collation method of recording comparisons and noting differences immediately. It becomes a new version of The Stone Story that gathers collations from various ancient manuscripts. This book is a definitive edition compiled over fifty years of dedicated collation from eleven versions. It consists of ten volumes, with Volumes 1 to 9 being The True Stone Story, and Volume 10 containing texts closely related to The True Stone Story.