Peony Fan: - Exquisite Annotations. Elegant Illustrations

Author: (Qing) Kong Shangren, commented by Weng Minhua
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This play is a renowned classic drama from the Qing Dynasty, written by Kong Shangren, who spent over a decade and revised it three times to complete it. The play depicts the struggle between the upright scholars, represented by figures like Hou Fangyu, Wu Cuiwei, and Chen Dingsheng from the Fushu literary society, and the power-hungry officials, symbolized by Ruan Dachen and Ma Shiyin, during the late Ming Dynasty. It exposes the corruption and decline of the Southern Ming regime, reflecting the social reality of the time. As the author himself said: "Through the joys and sorrows of separation and reunion, I express the sentiments of rise and fall, with real people and facts, supported by evidence." By portraying the love story of Hou Fangyu and Li Xiangjun, a famous courtesan from Qinhuai, the play illustrates the history of the Southern Ming's rise and fall, and summarizes the historical lessons of the Ming Dynasty's 300-year decline, showcasing rich and complex social and historical content. This book is accompanied by exquisite annotations, elegant illustrations, and an ancient charm. The play, together with The West Chamber, The Peony Pavilion, and The Palace of Eternal Life, is hailed as one of the "Four Great Classical Plays." They represent the highest achievements of ancient Chinese drama and hold immense literary and artistic value. The play was completed in 1699 AD after Kong Shangren's decade-long effort and three revisions. It is a historical drama that reflects the rise and fall of the Southern Ming Dynasty through the love story between Hou Fangyu, a Fushu scholar of the late Ming Dynasty, and Li Xiangjun, a famous courtesan from Qinhuai.