Research on Ancient Chinese Novels. Issue 1

Author: People's Literature Publishing House
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: Novel studies are a relatively active field within the discipline of ancient literature. Several classic works of fiction, such as Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Water Margin, Journey to the West, Golden Chamber of the Great Master, Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, and Dream of the Red Chamber, each have dedicated academic journals. Period-based studies also have a specialized journal for Ming and Qing Dynasty fiction research. Such a situation is uncommon in the fields of poetry and prose. These academic journals for novel studies provide scholars with a platform for discussion and debate, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment that has supported and helped numerous middle-aged and young scholars over the years and continues to contribute to the advancement of novel studies. Given the existence of so many academic journals in the field of novel studies, why is a new journal titled Studies on Ancient Chinese Fiction being compiled? While there are indeed many existing journals, a macro perspective reveals that their research framework is not entirely rational. , novel studies should not be solely concentrated on a few classic works. These classic works represent the pinnacle of ancient Chinese fiction art, but they do not encompass the entirety of its history. Many works, though not of the highest artistic or intellectual merit, have existed and some have even exerted significant social influence or had a profound impact on literature beyond China's borders. Excluding these works from academic scrutiny would undoubtedly be a regrettable oversight.
Second, the study of classical Chinese fiction and vernacular fiction has long been separated due to historical reasons, forming two distinct research fields. This artificial division has somewhat fragmented the close historical relationship between classical and vernacular fiction, hindering in-depth research. The new journal aims to bridge this gap, providing a platform for dialogue between the two fields.
Third, the Ming and Qing dynasties were the mature and peak periods of novel development, but Ming and Qing fiction was not born out of thin air. The history of Chinese fiction is a long and continuous tradition of evolution and transformation. Research should not be limited to Ming and Qing fiction but should adopt a broader historical perspective to grasp the developmental trajectory of the genre. Only with a comprehensive understanding can one make accurate and profound judgments about specific issues.
Based on these considerations, we decided to compile this academic journal that covers the entire history of Chinese fiction and various literary forms. Our proposal was met with enthusiastic responses from scholars both in China and abroad. The School of Humanities at Shanghai Normal University, the School of Chinese Studies at Nankai University, the School of Chinese Studies at Beijing Normal University, the School of Chinese Studies at Capital Normal University, the School of Chinese Studies at Harbin Normal University, and the School of Chinese Studies at Zhejiang Normal University generously provided financial support, turning this vision into reality. On the occasion of this journal's publication, we sincerely express our gratitude to these institutions.
Over a decade ago, we had already planned to compile Studies on Ancient Chinese Fiction. At that time, we engaged in in-depth discussions with scholars both in China and abroad, and it was agreed that they would contribute their latest research findings to the journal. Mr. Qian Zhongshu, upon hearing of this initiative, generously contributed the Chinese and English titles for the journal. Just as we were on the verge of success, an unexpected publisher, due to financial constraints, withdrew the manuscripts. This delay spanned over a decade. Although most of the articles from the compiled manuscript were eventually published in journals both in China and abroad, we have long felt a sense of guilt toward the authors and scholars who supported us, especially toward Mr. Qian Zhongshu, who so generously contributed the journal's titles.
Today, Studies on Ancient Chinese Fiction is published by People's Literature Publishing House, finally providing a belated resolution to this matter. Let us once again express our heartfelt gratitude to the senior scholars and academic peers who have supported this endeavor.