Journal in the Garden (A Collection of Qing Dynasty Historical Materials and Notes)

Author: (Qing) Liu Tingjing, compiled by Zhang Zongqian
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
Features: The Garden Magazine in four volumes, compiled by Qing Dynasty scholar Liu Tingjing. Liu Tingjing (c. 1654—?), styled Yuheng and known as Zaigard, was of Henei origin, later relocated to Liaoyang and registered in the Han military banner. His grandfather once served as the Governor of Fujian, while his father held positions such as magistrate in Hebei and Anhui. Leveraging his ancestors' achievements, Tingjing entered official service early and rose through the ranks, serving as an Inner Court Secretary, Magistrate of Jiaxing (now Lishui) in Zhejiang, and Vice Commissioner of Zhejiang. In his later years, he was transferred to river engineering, participating in the governance of the Yellow and Huai Rivers. From a young age, he was deeply fond of poetry and prose, possessing a reputation for literary talent. Combined with his family environment and extensive life experiences, he had the opportunity to associate with and exchange knowledge with prominent scholars of his time. His poetry collection Gezhuang Fenzheng Shixiao in fourteen volumes was preface by the renowned poet Wang Shizhen, while his prose collection The Garden Magazine in four volumes was preface by the celebrated dramatist Kong Shangren. The personal endorsements from prominent literary figures of the era demonstrate his standing in the literary world. Although his poetry is not widely circulated, The Garden Magazine stands out as a unique and exceptional work, rich in content, covering a wide range of topics, and highly informative, making it a rare masterpiece.