Translation of the given content into English: A Series of Translations and Annotations of Chinese Classical Novels (Third Series) -- The New Stories of the World

Author: Liu Qinghua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The Stories of the World is a classical masterpiece that records the social, political, military, intellectual, cultural, social customs, and literary spirit and talent from the late Han Dynasty to the early Southern Dynasties of the Southern Dynasties. It has had an extremely profound influence on Chinese literature, aesthetic customs, intellectual culture, and especially on the spirit of scholars. The book consists of thirty-six sections and 1,130 entries, compiled collectively by Liu Yijing, the Prince of Linchuan of the Southern Dynasties, and his literary scholars. Liu Yijing (403–444 AD) was a native of Pengcheng (now Xuzhou, Jiangsu) in the Southern Dynasties of the Southern Dynasties. He was the nephew of Emperor Wu of the Southern Dynasties and inherited the title of Prince of Linchuan, holding the positions of Vice Minister of State and Imperial Secretary. He was fond of Confucianism in his youth and developed an interest in Buddhism in his later years. The History of the Southern Dynasties describes him as "simple in nature, with few desires, and fond of literature and poetry, gathering literary scholars from near and far." At a time when the imperial clan of the Southern Dynasties was generally lacking in literary talent, Liu Yijing's literary talent not only won him the favor of Emperor Wu of the Southern Dynasties but also attracted many literary talents, resulting in a wealth of literary works. The History of the Southern Dynasties, The Southern History, and The Sui History all believe that in addition to The Stories of the World (ten volumes), The of the Famous People of Xuzhou (ten volumes), The Canon of Narratives (two types), and The Collection of Forests (three hundred volumes, all of which are lost) were also written by him. Moreover, The Stories of the World is not only one of the most outstanding works in Liu Yijing's writings but also one of the most accomplished ziren (literary tales) in the novels of the Han, Wei, and the Six Dynasties.