Shuyu Ci (Shuyunlou Congkan)

Author: (Song) Li Qingzhao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-06-01
Features: Li Qingzhao was an outstanding female lyric poet of the Song Dynasty in China. Her clear and beautiful verses, filled with genuine emotions, and her uniquely charming lyrical style made her one of the most beloved poets in the hearts of the people for thousands of years. Our publishing house has used the reprinted Shuyu Ci by Siyin Studio as the basis for punctuation and organization, while compiling relevant comments from previous scholars and adding extraneous poems not included in the original text, along with their sources. This collection is the first to be published in the traditional line-bound fan-shaped book format (jinxiangben). The layout is refreshingly innovative, making it highly portable and enjoyable for reading on a desk. The jinxiangben originated in the Southern Qi Dynasty and flourished during the Song Dynasty. From the Ming and Qing dynasties onwards, new designs were introduced each generation. The term jinxiang refers to the small portable boxes used in the past to store handkerchiefs and other miscellaneous items. In ancient times, people read at any time, whether sitting or lying down, and books were always carried with them. Thus, the size was reduced to fit into these small boxes, making it convenient to carry while traveling and easy to consult while resting. The jinxiangben, though the youngest among books, upholds the Confucian principle of "learning and practice in due time," and its contribution is significant. Unfortunately, in modern times, Western influence has spread eastward, and books have been increasingly favoring Western-style bindings. While improving, they have become increasingly cumbersome. Carrying them is like a burden, and reading while lying down is difficult for even a short time. Worse still, some publishers prioritize the exterior over the content, misleading readers and distancing themselves from the true essence of books. The Shangguo Press jinxiangben series is created with purpose, drawing on the experiences and shortcomings of past jinxiangben designs. It aims to return to simplicity and elegance, promoting national culture; to keep the size small while preserving the essence; to keep the price affordable while selecting high-quality versions; to choose a relevant and meaningful selection, with a focus on personality and poetic charm; to organize them thematically for both individual purchases and collections, bringing satisfaction to readers. The paper is fragrant, the printing vivid, the proofreading meticulous, and the layout lively—this is a series that requires great effort and dedication, making it hard to put down once seen. Mountains need not be high to be divine; books need not be expensive to possess character. Therefore, the series is named Shuyunlou (Book Charm Pavilion), and refined gentlemen will surely appreciate its meaning. This is the preface.