Zhuangzi Selected and Commented On

Author: Yang Yi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This series selects the most brilliant essence from the vast Chinese literary and historical works. These works are not only eloquently written but also represent the intellectual forefront of their respective eras. A group of renowned scholars from one of China's most authoritative academic institutions—the Institute of Literature at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences—have immersed themselves in these classics, savoring their essence and applying their knowledge and talent to provide insightful annotations, explanations, and analyses, guiding readers into a higher and broader realm of literary and historical studies.
As the culmination of Daoist thought, Zhuangzi pursues absolute freedom in thought and proposes important philosophical propositions such as "following the heavens and valuing authenticity" and "equalizing life and death, and treating all things as equal." At the same time, Zhuangzi is also a master of literature in history: his prose is the most magnificent and unrestrained among the philosophers; his fables are imaginative, with laughter, anger, and curses all becoming art; and his creation of various stories to express his views has earned him the title of the "forefather of classical Chinese fiction." The six chapters of Zhuangzi selected in this book are the most radiant in thought and the most beautiful in writing. The prefaces and analyses are accurate and concise. After reading this book, you will surely better understand why, for thousands of years, Zhuangzi has attracted numerous scholars and followers in both the realms of thought and literature.