The Creation and Dissemination of Vernacular Novels in the 17th Century: A Study Focused on the Suzhou Region

Author: Xu Zhendong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: The 17th century was a significant period for the development of vernacular fiction in China. Compared to the early stages of vernacular fiction's emergence, this period exhibited three fundamental characteristics in the creation and dissemination of works: 1. Scholars and literati became involved in fiction writing, and the works showed a tendency toward literary refinement; 2. The regional distribution of creation and dissemination of fiction was highly distinctive; 3. The creation and dissemination of fiction carried a certain commercial flavor, evolving into an industry. These features reflected new characteristics such as literary refinement, regional distinctiveness, and industrial transformation. The content of this book includes: 1. Focusing on the regional cultural characteristics of Suzhou, while comparing and contrasting them with other regional cultures and the features and development of vernacular fiction. 2. Emphasizing the study of individual works by Suzhou-based writers, as well as comparative research on their collective works, while also giving some attention to writers outside the Suzhou region for contrast. 3. Employing a layered approach and methodology—progressing from the external to the internal, from poetry, prose, and musical compositions to vernacular fiction, and from historical and cultural backgrounds to vernacular fiction—this book analyzes and studies the writers and works of vernacular fiction in this period and location, thereby exploring the patterns and characteristics of their writing, dissemination, reception, and influence.