Selected Works of Gu Yanwu

Author: Qian Zhonglian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-09-01
Features: This book is one of the "Selected Prose of the Eight Great Scholars of the Ming and Qing Dynasties Series." Gu Yanwu was a renowned patriotic scholar of the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and one of the few "all-round scholars" in the history of ancient Chinese academia. He was not only deeply learned but also had high moral character. Liang Qichao praised him as "not only a master of classics but also a moral teacher." Gu Yanwu spent his life traveling between the north and south, never holding official office, yet devoted his entire life to in-depth study of governance and concern for the people. Therefore, his prose is imbued with the idea of "applying knowledge to practical affairs." Gu Yanwu was knowledgeable about both the past and the present, had a deep understanding of classics, excelled in political discourse, and was skilled in discussing strategies for prosperity, offering insights far beyond ordinary people. His prose is concise, refined, and deeply moving, with a simple and earnest style. This book selects seventy-six pieces of prose by Gu Yanwu in various styles, each accompanied by "title explanations," "annotations," and "critical comments," helping readers understand the ideological content and artistic features of the selected works. At the end of the book, there is an appendix with Gu Yanwu's biography, relevant reviews, and reference materials, which can serve as a reference for readers conducting in-depth research. This is a read that appeals to both the refined and the general audience. This book selects seventy-six pieces of prose by the famous Qing Dynasty prose master Gu Yanwu and provides annotations and critical comments on them.