Introduction to Famous Works from China and the World

Author: Li Jie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Provides an overview of Chinese literature, combines appreciative and knowledge-based approaches, interprets classic texts from different angles, 700 exquisite color illustrations guide readers in merging thoughts with words, collects nearly 100 world literary classics.
The Book of Songs is one of the two major sources of classical Chinese poetry. Its authors came from all social strata, and its origins spanned a wide geographical area. In addition to the songs composed by court musicians of the Zhou Dynasty and those presented by officials and scholars, there were also many folk songs that had been circulating among the people. These folk songs were collected by dedicated song gatherers sent by the Zhou Dynasty to the countryside to understand the political, educational, and cultural strengths and weaknesses. The musicians of the various vassal states, who made singing and composing their profession, also gathered folk songs to enrich their lyrics and melodies. These songs were then presented to the Son of Heaven by the vassal states, and thus these folk songs were gathered into the imperial court. The songs collected from different regions in each era were generally believed to be preserved by the master musicians in the Zhou royal court. The collection, organization, and creation of folk songs were also part of the cultural undertakings of the Zhou Dynasty.