Shū Lín Qīnghuà

Author: Ye Dehui
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1957-01-01
Features: This book provides readers with specialized knowledge about ancient carved-plate books. Based on abundant materials, the author explains the various names of books and plates, the specifications and materials of book carving throughout history, and the comparison of labor and material costs. It also covers methods of printing, binding, identification, and preservation. Additionally, it narrates the origins and spread of ancient movable-type printing and color printing, as well as the outstanding famous carved books of each era, and many anecdotes about carving, copying, selling, and collecting books.
Ye Dehui (1864-1927), styled Hanbin (also written as Huanbin), styled Zhi Shan, and also known as Yi Yuan, was a native of Xiangtan County, Hunan Province. He was a renowned modern bibliographer and cataloger, dedicating most of his life to the study of bibliography and cataloging. He wrote numerous influential works on the subject, including Ten Rules for Collecting Books, The Whisperings of the Forest of Books, The Leftovers of the Forest of Books, The Catalogue of Ancient Books in Guangu Hall, and The Records of Reading in Yi Yuan, among others.
His disciple Yang Shudao (1885-1956) praised his bibliographical expertise by saying, "He was deeply versed in cataloging and adept at identifying printed materials. Whatever the origins of carving or the authenticity of transmitted copies, he kept them all in his mind and could point them out as if painting." Xie Guozheng (1901-1982) also commended him, saying, "He was highly skilled in the study of cataloging and could, beyond the conventional classics and histories, uniquely select materials and draw from historical records, opening the way for future scholars." These remarks highlight the profound depth of his bibliographical and cataloging expertise.