A History of Chinese Literary Theory and Criticism (Zhang Shaokang)

Author: Zhang Shao Kang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-04-01
Features: This book divides the historical stages of the development of Chinese literary theory and criticism into five periods, centered on the characteristics and laws of its development, combined with the features of historical stages and the development of literary creation. The five periods are:
1. Pre-Qin – Period of Emergence;
2. Han, Wei, Six Dynasties – Period of Development and Maturity;
3. Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan – Period of In-depth Expansion;
4. Ming and Qing – Period of Prosperity and Peak;
5. Modern – Period of Sino-Western Integration.
The development of ancient Chinese literary theory and criticism has a very long history, with rich content, diverse forms, and serves as a summary of historical experience in ancient Chinese literary creation. It reflects the evolution of ancient Chinese literary concepts, showcases various literary criticism methods, and embodies the national traditions and Eastern aesthetic ideals and tastes. Studying ancient Chinese literary theory and criticism enables us to deeply understand the excellent literary traditions and artistic spirit of ancient China, grasp its differences from Western literary aesthetics, and provide valuable historical references for building new literary theories in the contemporary era and flourishing literary creation in the new era.
May this textbook play a modest role in popularizing the basic knowledge and historical development of ancient Chinese literary theory and criticism.