"Poetic Soul and Old Dreams Chronicle"

Author: Zhang Jianzhi
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Zhang Jianzhi is a native of Nanxun, Huzhou, born into a scholarly family. In the "Old Dreams" section, he uses a versatile pen to depict the local customs and landscapes, providing readers with an excellent entry point to quickly and easily understand the charm and culture of Nanxun, Huzhou. The Jiye Hall, Xiaoling Villa, Zhuge Creek, the former residence of Zhang Jingjiang, Bianshan Study, and Tiandong Mountain in his writing all inspire deep reflection and evoke contemplation, making readers feel as if they are on his journey of spiritual exploration and cultural pilgrimage. Coincidentally, before reading this book, I had the opportunity to witness the beautiful night view of Huzhou. That fleeting scenery truly left me with a sense of "though I may not reach it, my heart yearns for it." Unbeknownst to me, this longing was fulfilled through Zhang Jianzhi's words, as if I had already traveled to that enchanting place after reading his book. To add a touch of irony, while immersed in the section about Zhang Chenggan's Jiye Hall in Nanxun, I noticed that the media was heavily promoting Nanxun's "Four Symbols and Eight Oxen" and Jiye Hall. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy, as if I had already savored a delicious feast in advance.
This book is a collection of historical and cultural essays by the Nanxun scholar Zhang Jianzhi. Through the lens of history, the author uses a versatile pen to critique figures from ancient and modern times, leaving readers in awe and sparking endless reflections.
"The summit of the Daochang Mountain, the base of the He Shan, ascending to the clouds, descending to the deep valleys, I come from the cave of mountains and still love to gaze upon this mountain endlessly." This poem was left by Su Dongpo in 1071 by the shores of Taihu Lake. Last spring, I accompanied Wu Qirun, an editor from Shanghai Yuedong Publishing House, along this valley to the base of Daochang Mountain. That day, as we wandered through the scenic beauty of the mountain, we discussed the current state of reading and publishing. Wu said that Shanghai Yuedong Publishing House had once published a series called "Phoenix Fire Collection," which was highly popular both domestically and internationally a decade ago. Indeed, that series had over 20 volumes, and I still keep them on my bookshelf, often flipping through them for inspiration. He mentioned that Shanghai Yuedong Publishing House was planning to launch a new series. Thus, we engaged in a lively discussion on this topic. Following Su Dongpo's footsteps, we slowly walked from the summit of Daochang Mountain to the, then took a rest on a high hill. At that moment, a beautiful white cloud drifted leisurely above us, and as we gazed at it moving slowly in the distance, I had an epiphany. I turned to Wu and said, "If we were to publish a series, how about calling it 'Far East Perspectives'?" He paused for a moment and then agreed, "Good, aren’t we overlooking the world from the coast of Shanghai in the East Sea?" That day, on the hill where "I still love to gaze upon this mountain endlessly," we finalized the publishing plan. The publication of "Far East Perspectives" can be seen as a stroke of fate.
Afterward, I invited the other four authors to join this series. Of course, both in academia and the literary world, these authors have long been on my list of admiration. Their published articles and books have deeply captivated me and brought me great joy in reading. They are scholars who possess talent, knowledge, and insight. As Liu Zhijiu of the Tang Dynasty said, "Talent" refers to innate wisdom and temperament, "Learning" to academic foundation and cultivation, and "Insight" to the brilliance of rational thinking. In their respective fields, the authors of this series can be considered among the finest scholars.
Now, after a year, this series has finally been brought to readers with the help of everyone's collaboration. My own book, "Poetic Souls and Old Dreams," has also been included. The chapters in "Poetic Souls and Old Dreams" were mostly published after 2000 in various magazines such as "Reading," "Notes," "Roots," "Jiangnan," "The Shanghai News·Pen Club," "China Reading News," and "The Wen Wei Weekly." Due to the differences in writing time and style, I have revised and reorganized them for this publication. They are now divided into four sections: "Poetic Souls," "Old Dreams," "Historical Figures," and "Book Reviews and Prefaces." The essays and sketches in this collection vary in length and style, but whether in depicting people, narrating stories, or describing landscapes, they all have their origins and retain the imprint of their time. Additionally, I have included 20th-century early editions of "Old Book Covers," "Photographs of Figures," or "Humanistic and Historical Scenes" to allow readers to appreciate and reflect.
Recently, as I sat in my small study, preparing to send the manuscript to the publisher, I reread a stack of typed drafts under the dim glow of a lamp. In the quiet of the night, the dense words seemed to collide once more with my own excited heart. At that moment, I felt as if I had returned to those far-off and contemplative years, reliving my old dreams and uncovering endless thoughts. Today, in this era of advanced technology, this book will soon be published. I hope that when readers open this book under the light of their own lamps, the old dreams and poetic souls within will slowly approach them through the glow, and I and the readers will find solace in the shared understanding that transcends words.