Shū Lín Qīnghuà: Fù Shū Lín Yúhuà

Author: Ye Dehui
Publisher:
Publishing Time: Not available
Features: This book provides readers with specialized knowledge about ancient printed books. Based on extensive research, the author explains the various names of books and printing plates, the specifications, materials, and comparative labor costs of printing in different dynasties, as well as methods for printing, binding, identification, and preservation. It also narrates the origins and spread of ancient movable-type printing and color printing, highlights the outstanding famous printed books of each era, and shares many anecdotes about printing, copying, selling, and collecting books.
Ye Dehui (1864–1927), styled Hanbin (also written as Huanbin), styled Zhi Shan, and also known as Yi Yuan, was a native of Xiangtan County, Hunan Province. He was a renowned modern bibliographer and cataloger, dedicating most of his life to the study of bibliography and cataloging. He wrote numerous influential works in the field, including Ten Rules for Collecting Books, The Clear Talk of the Book Forest, The Leftovers of the Book Forest, The Catalogue of Ancient Books in Guangu Hall, and The Records of Reading in Yi Yuan, among others. His disciple Yang Shudu (1885–1956) praised his bibliographical expertise, saying, "He was deeply versed in cataloging and adept at identifying printed materials. His mind was filled with the origins of printing and the authenticity of manuscripts, and he could point them out as if painting." Xie Guozheng (1901–1982) also commended him, saying, "He excelled in the study of cataloging and, beyond the conventional classics and histories, uniquely selected materials and opened the way for future scholars." These remarks highlight the profound depth of his bibliographical and cataloging achievements.