A Brief History of Chinese Fiction (Illustrated Collector's Edition)

Author: Lu Xun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-21
Features: This book is the lecture notes by the author on the history of Chinese fiction, delivered at Peking University from 1920 to 1924. It was first published in December 1923 and June 1924, divided into two volumes, and distributed by the New Tide Society of Peking University. The original name of the lecture notes was A Brief Outline of the History of Chinese Fiction, which was later renamed A Short History of Chinese Fiction upon publication. In September 1925, Beishu Press combined the two volumes into one. Revised editions were published, with a second revision in 1930. The book consists of 28 chapters, starting from myths and legends and ending with late Qing novels, narrating the evolution of ancient Chinese fiction. To speak of fiction is not necessarily to speak of the history of fiction, but only after reading the history of fiction can we accurately place each work. If you are a fiction writer, the history of fiction can tell you where to begin writing and which ideas have already been explored by predecessors. If you are a fiction reader, the history of fiction can tell you the position and value of the book in hand. If neither applies, please open this book in the name of "Lu Xun." The name "Lu Xun" alone is already invaluable.
Recommended for the following readers:
- All fans of Lu Xun
- All critics of Lu Xun
- Undergraduates and graduate students
- Scholars or general cadres
- Parents who hope their children succeed
This book narrates the emergence, development, and evolution of ancient Chinese fiction, making it the first specialized history of Chinese fiction. It examines various types of fiction and their development within the social conditions of their time, outlining a clear "line of progress" spanning thousands of years of Chinese fiction. To compile this book, the author collected 36 ancient fiction works from the Han to the Sui dynasties, gathered historical materials for 41 fiction works from the Song to the late Qing, and referenced over 70 works written by people from the Ming and Qing dynasties. With concise language and a fair and balanced attitude, the book evaluates the thought and art of fiction from ancient times to the present, many of whose insights remain guiding opinions in the study of classical Chinese fiction. This book represents the highest level of research on the history of Chinese fiction during its time.