Small and elegant school collection of annotations

Author: Huang Huaxin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Xiao Er Ya is an important classical text on etymology, recorded as early as the "Bibliography of the Han Shu." Fortunately, it has been passed down to this day. Many scholars throughout the dynasties have commented on and explained this book, especially the Qing scholars who made significant contributions. In recent years, there has been a focus on the study of etymology, and some works have touched upon Xiao Er Ya, but few dedicated books exist. The "Bibliography of the Han Shu" lists "Er Ya" (three volumes, twenty chapters) and "Xiao Er Ya" under the section of the "Classic of Filial Piety" in the "Six Arts" category. In the common edition of the "Han Shu," "Xiao Ya" is often used instead of "Xiao Er Ya," while it is included as "Xiao Er Ya" in the book "Kong Congzi." Which one is the original name has been debated by predecessors. "Xiao Er Ya" is another etymological text following "Er Ya," compiling and explaining many common or difficult words found in ancient texts. It serves as an important tool for reading and studying ancient classics. The book also contains a wealth of content on ancient institutions and measurements, providing crucial evidence for the study of China's ancient systems of weights and measures.