History of Chinese Novel Theory

Author: Chen Hong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: This book traces the origins of the novel concept from its inception up to the formation of modern novel theory, summarizing all aspects of Chinese novel theory. In recent years, academic research on ancient novel theory has advanced rapidly, yielding numerous achievements. Building upon these research findings, this book conducts a macro, comprehensive study, elucidating the intellectual and cultural backgrounds of each period, analyzing the diverse forms and connotations of novel theory within these contexts, and integrating trends in novel creation to reveal the developmental patterns of Chinese novel theory. This will be beneficial for a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the unique characteristics of our nation's novel theory and for further grasping the distinctive aspects of Chinese literary thought. Finally, two points should be noted: 1. The scope of this book covers the term "novel" appearing in the Warring States period and extends to the late Qing Dynasty's Xinhai Revolution. 2. Due to the fluid and evolving nature of theoretical inheritance, which cannot be precisely dated, the arrangement of certain chapters in this book does not strictly adhere to chronological order.