Illustrated Anthology of Chinese Classics, Volume 1 · The Scholars

Author: Li Yufu, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features:
A fresh approach to telling classic stories, with distinctive illustrations that complement vivid text. Concise and elegant text that captures the essence of the original, with standard phonetic annotations in line with teaching standards. Original illustrations crafted with artistic skill, taking children on a soul-stirring journey that will influence them for a lifetime. Here unfolds a series of human tragedies and comedies, here the misfortunes of ancient scholars under the corrupt imperial examination system, here depicted the joys, sorrows, and worldly wisdom of the common people living in feudal society. The old scholar Zhou Jin, who had studied for over a decade, failed even to pass the county-level examination and repeatedly banged his head against the examination hall boards upon seeing them; Fan Jin, who had taken the exam over twenty times, went mad after finally passing. Their pursuit of fame, obsession with the imperial examinations, and deep corruption from the feudal system—what a tragic scene! Wang Mian, who despised fame and power; Yan Jian, the stingy landlord who still extinguished the candle flame before his death; Ku Chao Ren, who forged documents and took exams for others, losing all sense of morality. These diverse and bizarre characters form a panoramic view of 18th-century Chinese society in the "Record of the Scholars."
The author of "Record of the Scholars," Wu Jingzi, was a renowned novelist of the Qing Dynasty, styled Minxuan. Born into a distinguished family, Wu Jingzi was exceptionally intelligent, knowledgeable, and ambitious from a young age. However, due to declining family fortunes and repeated failures in the imperial examinations, he was forced to leave his hometown and move to Nanjing, where he relied on selling his writings and financial support from friends for a living. During his time in Nanjing, Wu Jingzi poured his experiences with the world, his life journey, the hardships he endured, and the faces he witnessed into "Record of the Scholars," creating a masterpiece of ancient Chinese satirical fiction.
The newly released "Phonetic Color Illustration Edition of Chinese Classics" is a series meticulously adapted and illustrated based on the original text. Specifically designed for young readers, the collection features exquisite illustrations by outstanding artists that perfectly complement the text, vividly recreating the rich social life and profound artistic realm of the original work. The expressive text, delicate and lifelike illustrations, and standard phonetic annotations in line with primary school teaching standards will serve as a bridge for children to understand and appreciate the essence of traditional Chinese culture.