Everyone's Little Book of Poetry Theory

Author: Zhu Guangqian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: "The Great Master's Small Book," a playful name. This term "great master" encompasses two meanings:
1. The author of the book is a great master;
2. The book is written for everyone, serving as a read for all.
The term "small book" simply refers to its length; it is relatively brief in size. However, in terms of academic rigor, it is not light but rather quite substantial. In reality, the size of a book is also relative. A book with 100,000 words may seem small in today's printing conditions, but in the era of Laozi and Confucius, would it still be considered small?
One purpose of compiling this series is to save readers' time, allowing them to gain more knowledge in a shorter period. In the age of information explosion, there is too much to learn. Supplementary reading has become a frequent necessity. If one is not skilled at supplementary reading, grabbing a little here and a little there, patching up this today and that tomorrow, the results may not be as effective. If reading is treated like taking supplements, one may also lose the (cóng róng - ease) and joy that should come with reading. Each book in this series is concise, and readers can read them carefully and savor them without spending too much time, fully enjoying the pleasure of reading. If they are used as supplements, they are small in dose, easy to take, and easy to digest.
We also have another purpose: to contribute to cultural accumulation. We gather works that have stood the test of time and are recognized by readers, publishing them to prevent them from being forgotten. Some books were once bestsellers but are now hard to find; others may not have garnered much attention at the time but have proven their value over time. Both types of books need to be unearthed and brought back into the light. Books on science and technology are more practical—once outdated, they attract few readers, except for those studying the history of science and technology. In contrast, the humanities are different; many books remain fresh and relevant with repeated readings.
However, this series is not entirely republished old books. We also want to invite renowned scholars to write new small books that combine academic rigor with accessibility to meet the growing needs of readers.
The "Great Master's Small Book" series has a small format, and readers can tuck it into their pockets and read a few pages anytime, anywhere. Waiting by the roadside, queuing for theater tickets, on the bus, or in the park—anywhere is a good place to read. With more readers engaging in such activities, society will be enriched with cultural vibrancy and a learning atmosphere. Isn't that a good thing?