A Brief History of Chinese Fiction (Century Library)

Author: Lu Xun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: This book is the lecture notes of the author's course on the History of Chinese Fiction at Peking University from 1920 to 1924. It consists of 28 chapters, starting from mythology and legends and ending with the late Qing Dynasty's satirical fiction, narrating the evolution of ancient Chinese fiction. To speak of fiction is not necessarily to speak of the history of fiction, but only after reading the history of fiction can we accurately position each work. If you are a writer of fiction, the history of fiction can tell you where to start writing and which ideas have already been used by predecessors. If you are a reader of fiction, the history of fiction can tell you the status and value of the book in your hands. If neither applies, please open this book in the name of "Lu Xun." The name "Lu Xun" alone is invaluable.
Recommended for the following groups of readers:
- All lovers of Lu Xun
- All haters of Lu Xun
- Undergraduates and graduate students
- Scholars or general cadres
- Parents who hope their children succeed
This book narrates the process of the emergence, development, and evolution of ancient Chinese fiction, making it the first comprehensive history of Chinese fiction. It examines various types of fiction and their development within the social conditions of their time, outlining a clear thread of "progression" in thousands of years of Chinese fiction. To compile this book, the author collected 36 ancient fictions from the Han to the Sui dynasties, gathered historical materials of 41 fictions from the Song to the late Qing Dynasty, and referenced over 70 works written by people from the Ming and Qing dynasties. With concise and profound writing and a fair and impartial attitude, the book evaluates the thought and art of fiction through the ages. Many of its insights remain guiding opinions in the study of classical Chinese fiction to this day. This book represents the highest level of Chinese scholarship on the history of Chinese fiction of its time.