Yun Yuding Chengzhai Diary (1-2)

Author: (Qing) Yun Yuding
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-04-01
Features: National Committee for the Compilation of the History of the Qing Dynasty · Documentary Series. This book records the diaries of Yun Yuding throughout his life. It includes documents, current affairs, notes on reading classic literature, discussions on classical Chinese poetry and prose, folk customs, and family matters. The book not only reflects the corruption of the late Qing court but also documents ancient books, calligraphy and paintings, medical prescriptions, weather and celestial phenomena, geography, and earthquakes to varying degrees. Therefore, the book holds high historical value and readability, making it a highly recommended work.
The Chengzhai Diary has long been preserved in the Peking University Library, comprising a vast collection of thirty-six volumes and over a million words. Due to the difficulty in recognizing Yun's cursive script and the challenges in punctuation, it was never published. After his retirement, Mr. Shi Xiaofeng dedicated his spare time to meticulously this heavy and precious material over ten years—a truly commendable effort. Despite his advanced age, he worked diligently, undeterred by the extremes of weather, and meticulously proofread, edited, and transcribed the entire Diary.
Since Yun's Diary is a casual record, I used cursive script, making it extremely difficult to decipher. Sometimes, to identify a single character, I had to consult cursive script dictionaries but could not understand its meaning. Later, I encountered the same character elsewhere and, upon reviewing the context, grasped its significance. When encountering names or historical events, I always traced their origins to ensure a clear understanding. This dedication, meticulousness, and professionalism, especially in his advanced years, are truly admirable.