Dictionary of Literary Anecdotes Throughout the Ages

Author: Liu Yanwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Chinese traditional culture has a long history and has produced many renowned figures. The works, thoughts, and lives of scholars and literati are an important part of traditional culture, layer upon layer, becoming a witness to the enduring civilization of the Chinese nation. However, cultural researchers throughout the ages have primarily focused on exploring the works and thoughts of scholars and literati. The purpose of this book, however, is to showcase little-known anecdotes and stories about the literati of past dynasties. Through these anecdotes, readers can understand the customs and social etiquette of the times in which the literati lived, as well as their ways of handling affairs and personality traits, and even the cultural characteristics of a particular era. Therefore, this book will be of great benefit to both enthusiasts and researchers of traditional Chinese culture. The anecdotes selected in this book are accompanied by plain-language summaries, and some are supplemented with brief research and necessary explanations. For some important figures, short biographical profiles are provided, introducing their life experiences, writing styles, and representative works.
This dictionary collects 1,426 anecdotes about literary figures from the pre-Qin period to the modern era, covering ten major categories: learning, conduct, creation, criticism, witty repartee, encouragement, irony, adversity, emotions, and anecdotes. Each anecdote consists of the original text, summary, commentary, and biographical profile of the figure involved. Through these literary anecdotes, readers can gain insights into the personalities, ways of handling affairs, and customs of the times of the literati.