Thirteen Classics (Upper, Middle, Lower) -- Time-Honored Library

Author: Chen Tiemin et al. Translated and Annotated
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The classical Chinese is obscure and difficult to understand, making book lovers and those who wish to read feel intimidated by classical texts. However, this series of books contrasts ancient and modern texts, presenting them in parallel classical and vernacular versions. With its vivid, lively, and fluent language, it solves this practical difficulty, allowing you to enjoy history with ease. Additionally, the book has a rigorous layout and an excellent edition. Displayed in your home, it exudes luxury and elegance, enhancing your prestige. Contained within you, it increases wisdom and cultivation, making you knowledgeable in both the past and the present.
The term "Jing" originally referred to a general name for Confucian classics (later also used for Buddhist classics). By name, the "Thirteen Classics" are thirteen books of the most important Confucian classics. They are: the Book of Songs, the Book of Documents, the Rites of Zhou, the Book of Rites, the Commentaries on the Rites, the Book of Changes, the Commentary of Gongyang on the Spring and Autumn Annals, the Commentary of Guliang on the Spring and Autumn Annals, the Commentary of Zuo on the Spring and Autumn Annals, the Analects of Confucius, the Mencius, the Classic of Filial Piety, and the Erya. The Thirteen Classics include the entire content of the "Four Books and Five Classics," established by Confucius, banned by Qin Shi Huang, and later revived in the Han Dynasty with the establishment of Confucian scholars. Rulers throughout history placed great importance on them, often with emperors annotating them and promoting the values of ritual and filial piety. By the Southern Song Dynasty, the philosopher Zhu Xi annotated and compiled them into the "Thirteen Classics," which became a mandatory subject for imperial examinations. The study of Confucian classics flourished until the Qing Dynasty, when scholars like Gu Yanwu advocated "applying Confucian principles to governance," aiming to enrich the nation and strengthen the people. This was a significant period in the development of Confucian studies.
To inherit this excellent cultural heritage and facilitate the study of the Thirteen Classics for dedicated readers, Sanqin Publishing House presents this refined and precise parallel classical and vernacular edition of the Thirteen Classics. All content in this book is presented in parallel classical and vernacular versions, compiled by a team of experts, and accompanied by illustrations that are vivid and lifelike. It is truly a treasure for collection and family heritage.