Chinese Classical Masterpieces Translation and Annotation Series (Volume 3) -- A Hundred Surnames

Author: Zhong Haiyan, Li Yuejuan, Xu Yanghong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features:
Surnames studies is a specialized field. During the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties, emphasis was placed on noble clans, leading to the specialized study of genealogy, which focused on surnames, social status, and clan laws. This book is based on Wang Xiang's "A Brief Overview of the Hundred Surnames" from the early Qing Dynasty and provides a comprehensive review of the "Hundred Surnames" from three aspects: the geographical origins of surnames, their origins, and their prestige. Due to the complexity of "geographical origins" and "origins," this book adopts authoritative or widely accepted views. As for "prestige," especially with the numerous prominent figures bearing these surnames, and given the limited space, it was inevitable to repeatedly screen and may have missed some. In today's world, where regional and bloodline family boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred, names have long become a symbol of social interaction. However, descendants of Yan and Huang continue to take great interest in tracing their roots. The glory of their clans and the achievements of their ancestors remain inspiring and motivating to us today. This prompted us to strive to integrate historical accuracy, knowledge, practicality, interest, and educational value into the book, hoping it will be beneficial to every reader.