Dream Records (Four External Varieties)

Author: [Song] Wu Zimou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: A Collection of Folk Customs from Classical Chinese Masterpieces of China. Although this book recounts a segment of history where the Song court retreated and established its capital in the southern city of Hangzhou, it meticulously portrays folk customs from the perspective of court activities, revealing the profound influence of folk customs on the ruling class's actions and offering a new perspective for folk studies. The book imitates the style of Dream of the Eastern Capital, documenting the suburbs, temples, palaces, mountains and rivers, people, markets, products, population, customs, crafts,, and temples and schools of the Southern Song capital Lin'an. It provides rich historical materials for understanding the urban economic activities, handicraft and commercial development, economic and cultural life of the citizens, especially the appearance of the capital. The sections on courtesan performances, folk arts, wrestling, and storytelling of novels and historical tales offer valuable materials for the study of Song Dynasty literature and arts.