Introduction to Tang and Song Prose

Author: Xiong Liping and Min Zeping (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: A Guide to Tang and Song Prose selects 161 works from 64 prose writers of the Tang and Song dynasties, essentially reflecting the artistic style of Tang and Song prose. The book includes not only the representative works of major prose masters but also influential pieces by lesser-known authors that have left a significant mark on the history of Tang and Song prose. As a result, the selected works are of high quality, covering a wide range of authors. Additionally, we have carefully chosen works of different themes, genres, and styles from each author to allow readers to comprehensively understand the artistic characteristics of these masters. The selected texts are primarily classical Chinese, but a few parallel prose pieces and fu (rhythmic prose) are also included to more accurately showcase the artistic achievements of Tang and Song prose. The book provides brief annotations for obscure characters, words, and allusions in the selected prose to help readers overcome obstacles in reading and understanding Tang and Song prose. The annotations for each piece also introduce the authors' lives, thoughts, and summarize their creative backgrounds, ideological content, and artistic features. Furthermore, to enable readers to more deeply appreciate the inner and outer beauty of the works, several critical comments from predecessors are appended after each piece.