Strange Stories from the Bank of Song

Author: (Qing) Wang Tao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Measure the emotions of ghosts and gods, reveal the hidden depths of the human world, read tales of fox spirits and demons, and the dreamlike [Fortress Besieged]. Shongbin Shuwa is a collection of anecdotal tales by Wang Tao during the late Qing Dynasty. Wang Tao (1828–1897) was originally named Libin, later changed his name to Han, and finally to Tao. He was also known as Zhongxun, Ziqian, and Ziquan. Born in Changzhou, Jiangsu (now Suzhou), he passed the county-level examination at the age of 18. At 21, he accepted an invitation from the British missionary John Macgowan to work as an editor at the Shanghai Immanuel Mission Press, serving for thirteen years. He co-translated A Compendium of Western Learning with Isaac J. Coultier, and translated works such as The Origin of Western Astronomy, A Treatise on Western Business, and An Elementary Treatise on Mechanics with Alexander Wylie and others. He also wrote Illustrations of Western Learning and A Study of Western Works. Due to suspicion by the Qing government that he had plotted with Taiping Army officials to attack Shanghai, he was arrested and fled to Hong Kong at the age of 34, assisting James Legge in translating ancient Chinese classics such as the Book of Documents and the Zuo Zhuan into English. Shongbin Shuwa, as a whole, avoids politics and rarely discusses national affairs, appearing detached from the world. However, it still offers something for later generations to learn from. This is reflected in:
1. Original and ingenious composition.
2. To some extent, it demonstrates progressive ideas.
3. High writing skill.
The book does contain some negative elements. First, it promotes the ideas of fate and the cycle of yin and yang, believing that human relationships and careers are predetermined, that the prophecies of Taoist priests can control people's lives, and that after death, the underworld king arranges one's life in the next world, and so on. Second, the book does not reflect deeper ideological content. As mentioned earlier, it demonstrates progressive ideas, but this is only partial and supplementary, not the main component. Overall, the book primarily stays at the level of romantic affairs, leisurely enjoyment, and a carefree attitude toward life, failing to keep pace with the times. This makes Shongbin Shuwa distinct from the author's many political essays in content and style. Its social influence and appeal are far less widespread and profound than those of his political writings.