Jiaxuan Changduanju (Shuyun Lou Congkan)

Author: (Song) Xin Qiji
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: The "Jinxiang" (small box) format originated in the Southern Qi Dynasty and flourished during the Song Dynasty. From the Ming and Qing dynasties onwards, new designs emerged. The term "Jinxiang" refers to small portable boxes used in ancient times to store items like handkerchiefs and miscellaneous belongings. The ancients read at any time, whether sitting or lying down, and carried books with them. Thus, the format was made small enough to fit in a Jinxiang—convenient to carry while traveling and easy to consult while resting. Leisurely, one could browse through it. Although the Jinxiang format is considered a minor branch in the world of books, it upholds the Confucian principle of "learning and practicing at regular intervals," and its contributions are significant. Unfortunately, in modern times, with the influence of Western culture, books have shifted to Western-style bindings. They have become increasingly elaborate and cumbersome. To carry them is like a bull bearing a burden, and to read while lying down is difficult even for a short while. Worse still, some are outwardly rich but inwardly hollow, prioritizing the container over the content, misleading readers and drifting farther from the true essence of books. The "Ancient Society Jinxiang" series was created with purpose, drawing on the experiences and shortcomings of Jinxiang books throughout history. It aims to return to simplicity and elegance, promoting national heritage. The design is small yet complete, the price is affordable yet the quality is carefully selected, the selection of titles is appropriate yet emphasizes personal taste and charm, and the organization is logical yet allows for individual purchases. Enhanced with fragrant paper, vibrant color printing, meticulous proofreading, and dynamic layouts, this series is a testament to the effort and dedication invested in small compilations, making them irresistible upon first sight. Mountains need not be high to be divine; books need not be expensive to possess charm. Thus, the series is named "Shuyunlou," and refined gentlemen will surely appreciate its elegance. This is the preface.
Xin Qiji, styled Jiaxuan, was one of the most outstanding patriotic poets of the Song Dynasty. His poems covered a wide range of themes, with a distinctive heroic and unrestrained style that emphasized resistance to aggression and opposition to surrender. His works not only represent the height of thought and art achieved by Song Dynasty poets but are also treasures in the treasure trove of Chinese classical literature, cherished and recited by later generations. Among the versions of Xin Qiji's poems, the Yuan Dynasty Daide edition of Jiaxuan Changduanju contains the most, numbering 573 poems. This publication is based on the Daide edition, supplemented by 56 additional poems collected from other sources. It also includes extensive annotations by critics, appended to each poem. This makes the book both a pleasure to read and a valuable collectible.
Another poem:
"Was it ever youthful joy to play the lute and sing?
Summer is not long, autumn nights are short.
Yet old age and illness bring no ease.
With good spirits, I turn lazy.
An old friend writes to encourage me.
Could I pause my cup and force a meal?
When will we meet again by the wine?
Instead, I say, 'One must drink until full.'
Another poem:
"Ravingly, I smash the village wine.
Dancing, my sleeves are too short.
My heart is as idle as a fishing stone by a stream.
My body is as lazy as an official marker by the roadside.
In the mountains, wine is offered in a pot.
Kind words pity you, fit for a meal.
To this day, some lines remain in the world.
Autumn on the Wei River, leaves are full."