Ancient Chinese books, ink and printing technology

Author: Qian Cunxun (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-12-01
Features: This book compiles essays, prefaces, book reviews, and reader comments by the author on Chinese books, paper, ink, and printing technology that were previously published. The book is divided into two parts: The first part consists of four chapters with 20 essays on topics such as classics, paper, ink, printing, and their influences; the second part also has four chapters, collecting prefaces, book reviews, writing origins, and reader comments, totaling 20 pieces; and an appendix with one report. Each essay is accompanied by approximately 50 illustrations to enhance reading interest. Most of the essays included in this book are by-products of the author's writing on the two major works, Books on Bamboo and Silk and Paper and Printing. Among them, such essays as those on seals, book knives, the origins of paper, the definition of printing, engraving techniques, and Ming Dynasty movable type can supplement the discussions in the author's main works. Most of the essays in this book were originally written in English and later translated into Chinese for publication in academic journals across various regions in China. Some were included in the author's other works, but the translations may differ from the content of the original books, so readers are advised to note this.