Ancient China Notes

Author: Yi Yongwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-01-01
Features: This small book records the miscellaneous footprints of my "amateur" explorations since 1989, in addition to my formal academic research. Its scope includes: the study of classical Chinese anecdotal novels, the history of food in the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, thematic studies on northern ethnic cultures, the verification of Chinese science and technology, urban life in the Song Dynasty, and the study of performing arts. Due to its broad scope, similar to a collection of medium-sized academic articles, the book is titled Notes on Ancient China. Most of the text was originally published in central-level newspapers and magazines, or overseas publications and international conferences, such as Chinese Historical Records of Science and Technology, Guangming Daily, Chinese Culture Research, Korea University's Series of Chinese Studies (South Korea), the 5th World International Conference on Cross-Cultural Communication, and so on. Some of them were also used as teaching materials for Chinese culture courses for foreign students. To popularize these specialized academic studies, I have edited, condensed, revised, and polished the text, especially for some highly specialized articles like The Earliest Thermos, aiming to make them accessible to non-professionals. For some issues, due to limitations, they are offered as "throwing bricks to attract jade," such as the modernly popular golf ball, which traces back to Yuan Dynasty's "chuiwan," etc. I wonder if this will meet readers' preferences? My main field of expertise is the study of classical Chinese anecdotal novels. Perhaps the areas I have explored are considered "unprofessional" by some. But I have no regrets. The interdisciplinary explorations I have undertaken are precisely to adapt to the trend of increasing integration and complexity among various disciplines in the modern era. Moreover, these studies have strengthened my belief that past history and literature need to be mutually verified to become clear. The academic scope demonstrated in the book is the practice of this principle of mine, and it is also considered as a way for me to adjust the connotation of my professional structure. Of course, as a collection of notes, it is inevitable to have omissions and shortcomings. I stand here, listening attentively, hoping to hear the opinions of readers so that I can make up for the gaps in the future and improve this topic.