Wuxu Lüan Jian -- The Historical Truth of Martial Arts in Jin Yong's Novels

Author: Hong Zhenkai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-07-01
Features: This book examines the origins of the concept of "martial arts" in Jin Yong's novels from a unique perspective and research angle, explores the mutual influence between the martial arts concepts in the novels and history, uncovers the historical truths of martial arts sects such as Shaolin, Wudang, and Tai Chi, traces the evolution of the idea of Dharma and Zhang Sanfeng as martial arts masters, and investigates the formation of concepts like internal energy, swordsmanship, and martial arts manuals in wuxia novels, as well as their true historical identities. The book aims to answer for readers (or its value lies in): How did wuxia novelists create the concept of "martial arts"? Where did these concepts come from? What is the historical truth? Based on the author's column articles "Lecture on Martial Arts and Swordplay" published in the Southern Metropolis Daily, the content has been added to and revised to form a systematic structure, with images added. The book contains approximately 170,000 words and about 100 images.
Wuxia novels have shone under Jin Yong, transcending the martial world to enter the realm of high society. However, when it comes to "Jin," most discussions focus on chivalry rather than martial arts. This book avoids chivalry and focuses solely on martial arts, or occasionally on swordplay, using a historical research perspective to trace the origins of the "martial arts" phenomenon in Jin Yong's novels and explore the evolution of this concept in Chinese history. It bridges the gap between fiction and history, uncovering the historical truths of martial arts sects like Shaolin, Wudang, and Tai Chi, the changing perceptions of Dharma and Zhang Sanfeng as martial arts masters, and the development of concepts like internal energy, swordsmanship, and martial arts manuals in the history of wuxia novel writing, as well as their true historical identities.