Liu Nan Notes: Continuation

Author: Wang Yingkui (Qing Dynasty), Wang Bin, Yan Yingjun, editors
Publisher:
Publishing Date: October 1, 1983
Features: Six Volumes of Liu Nan Zhiyi and Four Volumes of Xubi, written by Wang Yingkui of the Qing Dynasty. Wang Yingkui, styled Dongxu, styled Liu Nan, was a native of Changshu County, Jiangsu. He was born in the 22nd year of the Kangxi reign (1683) and died around the 24th or 25th year of the Qianlong reign (1759–1760), at the age of nearly 80. Young Wang Yingkui was renowned for his poetry. Later critics remarked on his "profound and comprehensive classical prose, rich in erudition yet refined in style. His poetry was even higher in quality, free from imitation or cliché." However, he attempted the imperial examinations eight times without success and retired to live in seclusion, "with a pile of books reaching his shoulders, and burying himself in them." In addition to Liu Nan Zhiyi and Xubi, his works include Liu Nan Shiwen Chao and Haiyu Shi Yuan (Eighteen Volumes). Liu Nan Zhiyi and Xubi imitate the style of Hong Mai's Rongzhan Zhiyi of the Song Dynasty. The content can largely be divided into two categories: one is notes on his readings, recorded as he went along. He gathered knowledge from all fields, including classics, history, philosophy, poetry, ci, qu, painting, and phonology. He explored the origins of poetry, investigated the foundations of names and things, corrected historical errors, and provided many clues for the study of literature and history. The other is records of his observations and experiences. Wang Yingkui was well-informed and fond of visiting historical sites and collecting anecdotes. A significant portion of the book recounts the stories of scholars, literati, social customs, and local traditions. Wang Yingkui adored Wang Shifu but did not hesitate to point out his mistakes in his works. He also commented on famous figures such as Zhao Zhixin, Feng Ban, and Qian Qianyi. Additionally, the book touches on historical events related to the Fushu Society, Tongsheng Society, Yingshu Society, and Donglin Party, as well as the libraries of Donghu Academy, Wanjuanlou, Jiangyunlou, Jigu, and Shugu Tang. These historical records are of great reference value. However, due to some errors in Zhiyi, Xubi corrected these mistakes, resulting in some repetition between the two works.