University Little Book -- Introduction to Lyrics and Composition

Author: Long Yusheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: "A Great Master's Small Book," a playful name. This term "Great Master" has two meanings: First, the author of the book is a great master; second, the book is written for everyone, serving as reading material for the general public. The term "Small Book" refers only to its length, as it is relatively concise. However, in terms of academic rigor, it is not light but rather quite substantial. This book is divided into two parts. The first part discusses origins, primarily exploring the characteristics, origins, development, and evolution of ci and qu poetry. It also evaluates important writers and works of Tang-Song ci poetry, Yuan qu poetry, and Ming-Qing legends. The second part focuses on the rules and forms, emphasizing the significant role of phonology in ci and qu poetry. It clarifies the arrangement of tones (pingze siyin) in dictionaries, the density of rhyme positions, and the conversion between tones, and explains their relationship to expressing thoughts and emotions. This book offers detailed and insightful explanations on many issues, making it a valuable reference and guide for studying the history of ci and qu poetry, phonology, and the writing of ci and qu poetry. The examples cited in the book are mostly well-known masterpieces, and through their introduction and analysis, they help enhance the reader's appreciation.