Preface and Postface of Kuyuzhai

Author: Zhou Zuoren
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-01-01
Features: "I am compiling this small collection, selecting only prefaces and postfaces, while excluding colophons. This is not out of adherence to the principle of moral instruction, but merely based on stylistic distinctions. I am not particularly fond of moral instruction; even when I strive to write prefaces for major works, I often fail to truly embody the author's spirit. As a result, even though they are not colophons, they remain small pieces. The complete collection contains seventy-five pieces, from which I have selected fifty-three, divided into two parts. The first part consists of self-authored prefaces, with thirty-six pieces retained, while the second part contains seventeen pieces written by others as prefaces or postfaces, mostly related to folk studies and literature. There may be many remarks from outsiders among them. Although this selection aims for rigor, it is likely unavoidable. The readers are asked for understanding."
Prefaces and postfaces have always been considered small pieces of prose, while prefaces and postfaces are included in the main collection, clearly belonging to the authentic texts of major works. How is this possible? I am not very familiar with the affairs of scholars, but through limited observation, I can perhaps discern some insights. Or perhaps this is related to the issue of writing literature for moral instruction. Since the length of the text is not a reliable criterion, what matters most is the distinction between the sacred and the mundane. Works that speak for sages and virtuous men are undoubtedly superior, while those that speakly are naturally unacceptable. Some people who cherish their own works, even if they wish to preserve them, can only include them in separate collections. Prefaces and postfaces are similar to letters in relation to books—they are clearly worlds apart. This idea has existed since ancient times. However, as Nietzsche said, the wheel of time turns, so it is neither surprising nor strange that they appear at different times.
I am compiling this small collection, selecting only prefaces and postfaces, while excluding colophons. This is not out of adherence to the principle of moral instruction, but merely based on stylistic distinctions. I am not particularly fond of moral instruction; even when I strive to write prefaces for major works, I often fail to truly embody the author's spirit. As a result, even though they are not colophons, they remain small pieces. I write both prefaces and postfaces in the same disorganized manner, but prefaces are more focused on a single book, with a narrower scope of discussion. As for expressing personal opinions, there is little difference. The complete collection contains seventy-five pieces, from which I have selected fifty-three, divided into two parts. The first part consists of self-authored prefaces, with thirty-six pieces retained, while the second part contains seventeen pieces written by others as prefaces or postfaces, mostly related to folk studies and literature. There may be many remarks from outsiders among them. Although this selection aims for rigor, it is likely unavoidable. The readers are asked for understanding.
On February 18, 1934, Zhou Zuoren wrote this in Beijing.