Legendary Examination

Author: Chief Editor: Xu Shu
Publisher:
Publication Date: 1994-03-01
Features: Preface to the Publication
The Collected Studies on Legends in eight volumes is unknown to whom it was written. Judging from the era in which this book was published, the author must have been a person from the late Qing Dynasty or the early Republic of China. "Legend" specifically refers to long-form operas that primarily feature singing in the Nanqu Opera style, mainly popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is an evolution of the Southern Drama of the Song and Yuan dynasties, flourishing from the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty to the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. This art form holds an important position in the history of Chinese theater. Although works such as General Catalogue of Qu Opera and Studies on Song and Yuan Drama touch upon its evolution and development, no other book provides a systematic and detailed examination as this one does. Collected Studies on Legends collects materials related to 263 types of legend operas. These include author profiles, summaries, and evaluations. What is particularly valuable is that the author cites classical sources and traces the origins of many of these operas, conducting rigorous research. This elevates its significance beyond just theater. At the very least, for those studying literary history, this book is an extremely useful reference. This book was published as a facsimile of the 1914 edition by the Ancient and Modern Book Room. Published by the Book Catalogue and Literature Publishing House in August 1993.