Classics for Everyday Reading (Library of the Century)

Author: Zhu Ziqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: In this small book, Mr. Zhu Ziqing not only discusses the classics in the traditional sense—such as the Five Classics and the Four Books—but also covers historical classics like Zuo Zhuan (Spring and Autumn Annals), Zhan Guo Ce (Records of the Warring States), and Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian), as well as the classics of the philosophers, the classics of prose and rhyme, the classics of poetry, and the classics of literature. It is practically a concise yet profound history of classical studies. His purpose is to help the younger generation understand the entire traditional culture and cultivate well-rounded scholars. The language in the book is extremely accessible, while the organization is exceptionally clear. A careful reader will not only grasp the basic evolution of the classics but also learn the general methods of scholarship. This book is Mr. Zhu Ziqing’s introductory guide to ancient Chinese literature, history, and philosophical classics, covering thirteen chapters: Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining Characters), Zhouyi (Book of Changes), Shangshu (Book of Documents), Shijing (Book of Songs), the Three Rites, the Three Commentaries on the Spring and Autumn Annals, the Four Books, Zhan Guo Ce, Shiji and Han Shu (Records of the Han Dynasty), the Classics of the Philosophers, the Classics of Prose and Rhyme, Poetry, and Literature. The book offers insightful perspectives, exceptional historical writing, accessible and fluent language, and clear explanations, making it an essential introduction to understanding ancient Chinese cultural classics. As a modern Chinese prose writer and poet, Zhu Ziqing is renowned for his elegant, melancholic style and refined, graceful prose. He also possessed profound expertise and research in ancient Chinese classics. Addressing the challenge that classical texts in China are particularly difficult to read, making them inaccessible to ordinary people, Mr. Zhu Ziqing wrote this popular book to provide a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to the classics. The book is generally organized according to the traditional Chinese classification system of classics, history, and literature, outlining works such as Shuowen Jiezi, the Four Books and Five Classics, Zhan Guo Ce, Shiji, and Han Shu, as well as famous works in the categories of the Classics of the Philosophers, prose and rhyme, poetry, and literature.