Gangling Poetry Affairs

Author: (Qing) Ruan Yuan compiled, (Qing) Gu Luan wrote
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Guangling Shishi, ten volumes, compiled by (Qing) Ruan Yuan. Ruan Yuan (1764-1849), styled Boyuan, styled YunTai, also styled LeTang Anzhu, was a native of Yixing, Jiangsu, and resided in Qiaotiao, Yangzhou, Hubei Road. He passed the imperial examination in the 54th year of the Qianlong reign (1789), was selected as a Ciji, appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy, and rose to the position of governor of Hubei, Guangdong, and Yunnan. In his later years, he was summoned to be appointed as a Daren of the Tiren Pavilion and granted the title of Taiziba. Guangling Shishi records the commendable words and virtuous deeds of famous local scholars in Yangzhou during the Qing Dynasty before Ruan Yuan. Some entries present matters through poetry, while others record poetry based on events. Guangling Langu, seven volumes, written by (Qing) Gu Luan, with a edition printed in the 13th year of the Jiaqing reign (1808) still in circulation. Gu Luan, also known as Gu Xieyin, was a native of Jiangdu during the late Qing Dynasty, and his birth and death years are unknown. From the two prefaces in the book, it can be inferred that the author was a scholar of the Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Daoguang periods. He also wrote Zhou Chuan Mingwu Shu, thirty-two volumes. Guangling Jangu was originally a lecture manuscript composed by the author for his students. The book extensively collects the cultural and historical records of the Yangzhou region, with the time frame extending to the Yuan Dynasty. It is beneficial for understanding the local customs and legends of Yangzhou. In his preface, the Qing scholar Zhou Changtai said, "This book can serve as a record of famous scenic spots and a supplement to historical records. It enriches the past and polishes the present, far from being confined to trivial descriptions of landscapes and poetry." The book records local figures and ancient sites in Yangzhou, with ancient sites categorized and figures arranged chronologically by dynasty, ending with the Yuan Dynasty. Occasionally, it includes Gu's annotations and research.