History of Chinese Classical Novel Theory (Revised Edition)

Author: Fang Zhengyao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: This book primarily reviews the literary criticism of fiction during the Ming and Qing dynasties, placing the literary theory and criticism of this period as a prominent focus. This perspective is shared by contemporary scholars of the history of fiction. Since literary theory is a theoretical summary of literary creation and practice, without abundant literary creation, there can be no rich literary criticism or theory. In terms of the development of Chinese ancient literature, the Ming and Qing dynasties were a period of great prosperity in fiction writing, and the literary criticism and theory of this era also appeared particularly vibrant and rich. The literary theory and criticism of the Ming and Qing dynasties represent the peak of ancient Chinese literary theory and criticism, and can also be considered the main body of the history of ancient Chinese literary criticism. As for the writing style and methodology, this book does not adopt the more common approach of focusing on individual writers and their works, arranging them in sequence, and reviewing them one by one. As a comprehensive history of literary criticism, the arrangement of the chapters naturally focuses more on the theoretical perspectives of literary criticism, capturing relatively concentrated theoretical issues and stages in the history of literary theory and criticism. It pays attention to emerging theories, new proposals, and insights, elaborating on the major theoretical achievements and contributions of Chinese literary criticism in different periods, as well as the relationships of inheritance, opposition, and integration among these theoretical viewpoints during their development. This is a distinctive feature of the book's conception and writing style, and also the goal we hope to achieve. Of course, it is still just an attempt.