Book of Songs - Family Bookshelf

Author: Confucius
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: The Book of Songs is the earliest collection of poetry in Chinese history, comprising 305 poems. With vivid artistic forms and exquisite literary imagery, it depicts the lifelike scenes of ancient life. It combines poetry and painting, blending scenery and emotion, adorned with the aspirations and pursuits of life ideals and the love for real life, enriching the humanistic landscape of ancient society. Especially its romantic and realistic themes have built spiritual homes for countless scholars and literati through the ages, nurturing students and disciples in the vast sea of knowledge. For over a thousand years, The Book of Songs has been widely celebrated and remains beloved across generations. As a classic, it has had an extremely broad and profound impact on China's history and culture, serving as a precious spiritual cultural treasure of the Chinese nation. The Book of Songs, with its rich content and profound thoughtfulness, paints a vivid social and historical picture for us, providing valuable historical materials for studying the politics, economy, culture, history, and society of the Zhou Dynasty. It is also an important source of Chinese literary and artistic traditions. The Book of Songs is the earliest collection of poetry in China, including 305 poems from the early Western Zhou Dynasty to the mid-Spring and Autumn Period, spanning approximately 500 years. It is divided into three main parts: Feng (160 poems), Ya (105 poems), and Song (40 poems). These titles are derived from musical tunes. The meaning of Feng refers to the melody. The ancient Qin Feng, Wei Feng, and Zheng Feng are akin to saying the tunes of Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Henan today. Ya signifies propriety. The Zhou people called the correct tunes Ya Yue, similar to how the Qing Dynasty called Kunqu opera Ya Bu, carrying a sense of reverence. The distinction between Da Ya and Xiao Ya might be based on chronological order. Song refers to hymns used in temple rituals. This book is part of the Family Bookshelf series, comprehensively collecting 305 poems, each accompanied by corresponding explanations and translations to facilitate understanding, making it a valuable keepsake!