Tang Xinglun: Ren Batang Anthology (Vol. 1 & 2)

Author: Ren Bantang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This is an academic monograph that elucidates the development of Tang Dynasty drama from both formal and spiritual perspectives. The author extensively cites sources, striving to reveal the truth of the development of opera over 340 years before the Song Dynasty, and introduces the various disagreements among scholars after the publication of Wang Guowei's Studies on Song and Yuan Drama. It aims to promote further exploration of the origins and development of drama. The book is divided into eight chapters: General Introduction, Classification of Genres, Play Catalogue, Roles, Artistic Techniques, Equipment, Actors, and Miscellaneous Notes, and includes supplementary materials such as Tang and Five Dynasties opera jokes and 100 Questions on Tang Drama. The book was first published by the Writers' Publishing House in 1958 and was revised and expanded by the publisher in 1984. Based on the original content, the author has added nearly 100,000 additional words, enriching the historical records and offering new insights into the Zha sacrifice of the Zhou Dynasty, the literary forms of Tang Dynasty drama, and theatrical genres such as Bota Opera, Canjun Opera, and Puppetry.