Rites of the Master (Essentials of Classical Literature · Popular Edition)

Author: Liu Yiqing
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The Stories of the World is a classical masterpiece that records the social and political, military, intellectual, cultural, social customs, and literary spirit and talent from the late Han Dynasty to the early Southern Dynasties of the Southern Dynasties. It has had an extremely profound influence on Chinese literature, aesthetic customs, intellectual culture, and especially on the spirit of scholars. The book consists of 36 categories and 1,130 entries, compiled collectively by Liu Yiqing of the Southern Dynasties and his literary scholars. Liu Yiqing (403-444 AD) was a native of Pengcheng (now Xuzhou, Jiangsu) in the Southern Dynasties and was the nephew of Emperor Wu of the Southern Dynasties. He inherited the title of Prince of Linchuan and held the positions of Vice Minister of Household and Imperial Secretary. He was fond of Confucianism in his youth and developed an interest in Buddhism in his later years. The History of the Southern Dynasties describes him as "simple in nature, with few desires, fond of literature and poetry, and attracting literary scholars from all over the country." At that time, when the imperial family members of the Southern Dynasties were generally lacking in literary talent, Liu Yiqing's talent not only won him the favor of Emperor Wu of the Southern Dynasties but also attracted many literary scholars, resulting in a wealth of literary works. The History of the Southern Dynasties, The Southern History, and The Sui History believe that in addition to The Stories of the World (10 volumes), The of the Famous People of Xuzhou (10 volumes), The Canon of Narratives (two types), and The Collection of Forests (300 volumes, all of which are now lost) were also written by him. In addition, The Stories of the World is not only the highest achievement of Liu Yiqing's writings but also the most accomplished ziren (biographical tales) in the novels of the Han, Wei, and the Six Dynasties. This book selects interesting excerpts from the original text, organizes and connects the deeds of the same person, and strives for the completeness of the stories. On the basis of faithfulness to the original text, it is made more popular to enhance readability, in order to attract the interest of young readers and obtain rich nutrition from traditional culture.