Water Words Notebook

Author: Nalan Xingde
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-07-01
Features: This book is one of the most outstanding annotated editions in the current field of Nalan studies. The annotators are recognized as top experts in the field, and their collaboration has made this book a milestone in the history of annotating Nalan Ci (poems). It uses the "Universal Edition" in traditional vertical Chinese characters. The content is rigorous and comprehensive, making it highly valuable for in-depth study and research! This book is based on the four volumes of "Tongzhi Tang Ji" (Collected Works of Tongzhi Hall) as the source text, primarily referencing Zhang Chunxiu's edition, Wang Yuanzhi's edition, and incorporating selections from contemporary anthologies such as "Jin Ci Chuji" (Early Collection of Modern Ci) and "Yaohua Ji" for collation. It provides a comprehensive reorganization of Nalan Ci. The annotators have conducted meticulous work in punctuation, correction, supplementation, chronological arrangement, annotation, and commentary. It addresses some of the shortcomings in Nalan Ci publications since 1937. Highly recommended.
"Drinking Water Ci" (Yinshui Ci) is the collection of Ci (classical Chinese poems) by Nalan Xingde, a poet of the early Qing Dynasty. Nalan Xingde, originally named Chengde, later changed his name to Xingde to avoid the taboo name "Yuannei" (meaning "to protect and become an heir") associated with the (Crown Prince). He styled himself Rongruo and was known as Lingjia Shanshen. He was a Manchu from the Zhenghuang Banner, the eldest son of Prime Minister Mingzhu. He grew up in Beijing. From a young age, Nalan Xingde was intelligent and studious, becoming knowledgeable in classics and history as he grew older. He was particularly fond of composing Ci and gained fame for it. In 1676 (the 15th year of the Kangxi reign), he passed the imperial examination and was appointed as a third-class attendant at the Qianqing Gate, eventually advancing to the first class. He accompanied the emperor on multiple inspections and was once sent on a mission to Suolong to investigate the Russian invasion of the border. He was born in 1655 (the 11th year of the Shunzhi reign) and died in 1685 (the 24th year of the Kangxi reign) at the age of 31.