Liu Nan Notes Continuation--Qing Dynasty

Author: Wang Yingkui (Qing Dynasty), Wang Bin, Yan Yingjun (eds.)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: The Six Volumes of Rui Nan Notes and Four Volumes of Continued Notes, written by Wang Yingkui of the Qing Dynasty. Wang Yingkui, styled Dongxu, was known as Liunan, a native of Changshu County, Jiangsu Province. He was born in the 22nd year of the Kangxi reign (1683) and died around the 24th or 25th year of the Qianlong reign (1759–1760), at nearly eighty years of age. Young Wang gained fame for his poetry, and later generations praised him as "possessing a broad and comprehensive grasp of classical literature, with a rich and refined style. His poetry was even higher in quality, never imitating others' ideas." However, despite entering the imperial examinations eight times, he never passed and retired to live in seclusion. "A pile of books reached his shoulders, and he buried himself in them." In addition to Rui Nan Notes and Continued Notes, his works include Rui Nan Poems and Prose and Sehu Poetic Garden (18 volumes). Rui Nan Notes and Continued Notes imitate the style of Hong Mai's Rui Zhai Notes of the Song Dynasty. The content can largely be divided into two categories: one is the notes he took from his reading. He covered a wide range of topics, including classics, history, philosophy, poetry, ci, qu, painting, phonology, and etymology. He explored the origins of poetry, delved into the foundations of various cultural artifacts, corrected historical inaccuracies, and provided many clues for the study of literature and history. The other is his personal observations and experiences. Wang Yingkui was well-informed and fond of researching old stories and anecdotes. A significant portion of the book records the anecdotes of scholars and literati, social customs, and local traditions. Wang Yingkui adored Wang Shifu, but he did not hesitate to point out his mistakes in Wang's works. He also commented on famous figures such as Zhao Zhixin, Feng Ban, and Qian Qianyi. Additionally, the book touches on historical events related to the Fushu Society, Tongsheng Society, Yingshu Society, and Donglin Party, as well as the libraries of Donghu Academy, Wanjuan Pavilion, Jingyun Pavilion, Jigu Pavilion, and Shugu Hall. These historical records are of great reference value. However, because Notes occasionally contains errors, Continued Notes corrected them, resulting in some repetition between the two works.