Collected Anecdotes of the Song People (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Ding Fujing
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2003-12-01
Features: A collection of Song Dynasty historical materials. Compiled by Ding Chuanjing of recent times. Chuanjing was from Dantu, Jiangsu. This book cites over 500 books, compiling anecdotes of more than 600 Song Dynasty figures, including many scholars. The entire work consists of 20 volumes, with the first three volumes dedicated to emperors and empresses, and volumes four to nineteen to officials and commoners, generally arranged in chronological order. The last volume includes stories, miscellaneous matters, Zen Buddhism, alchemists, rebels, etc. The works cited in this book are mostly notes and poetry discussions, with occasional references to collected essays, local chronicles, and miscellaneous histories. The collection is rich, often filling gaps not covered in official histories. Some anecdotes of scholars not recorded in official histories can be found in this book, providing a general outline. For example, the separation of Lu You and his first wife Tang Shi, as mentioned in the section on Lu You, cites "Qidong Yeyu" for this event. Others, such as Song Zheng Sixiao, Wang Yuanliang, Gong Kai, etc., have dedicated sections in the book. Some of the cited works were compiled by authors after the Song Dynasty. Due to the secondary sources, inaccuracies are inevitable. For instance, the citation of Guo Zhonghu's anecdotes from "Song Bailei Leichao" originates from "Su Dongpo Qij's "Guo Zhonghu Huanzan." "Song Bailei Leichao" has added or omitted parts of Su Shi's original text without. Sometimes, the cited materials are edited or abridged. When dealing with similar materials, the selection and omission may not always be entirely appropriate. For example, the separation of Lu You and Tang Shi, as recorded in Chen He's "Xitang J's "Zhijia Xuren Xuyun," can be compared and referenced with "Qidong Yeyu," but this book does not cite it. The "Collected Anecdotes of Song People" has been published in various editions, including a 1935 typeset version by Commercial Press, a 1958 reprint, and a 1981 new edition with punctuation by Zhonghua Book Company.