Human Words

Author: Wang Guowei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Words on Human Life integrates Wang Guowei's Western philosophical and aesthetic theories, which he termed "" (believable but not lovable) and "" (lovable but not believable), using a clear and vigorous style to critique the great poets and works of the Tang and Song dynasties. Words on Human Life proposes the theory of "" (artistic realm), distinguishing the high and low of Ci poetry through the concepts of "" (obscured) and "" (unobscured). It is uniquely creative, revealing insights previously unexplored, and solidified Wang Guowei's position in the field of classical literary and aesthetic studies. Through the term "" (classical elegance), he discusses "" (artificial realm) versus "" (mirroring reality), "" (subjective) versus "" (objective), "" (idealistic) versus "" (realist), and "" (subjective poet) versus "" (objective poet). The book is filled with timeless and profound remarks, and the quoted poetry and Ci almost encompass the essence of Tang and Song dynasty masterpieces. Thus, Words on Human Life can also be regarded as an exquisite selection of Tang and Song Ci poetry.
There are numerous versions of Words on Human Life, with slight variations in the included texts and differing arrangements of entries. This edition references various versions, such as Annotated Words on Human Life by Xu Diaofu (published by Zhonghua Book Company), Words on Human Life with a preface by Huang Lin (Shanghai Press), and Annotations and Critical Comments on Words on Human Life and Words on Human by Chen Hongxiang (Jiangsu Press). The text is primarily based on Xu Diaofu's edition, incorporating strengths from other versions to ensure accuracy, coherence, and completeness.