Shūlín zǎojiàn Shūlín jìshì

Author: Ma Zonghuo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1984-05-01
Features: My late father wrote "Shulin Zaodian" (Twelve Volumes) and "Shulin Jishi" (Four Volumes), originally published by the Commercial Press. The first printing was in 1935, followed by another in the following year. Since then, it has been out of print for over forty-five years. "Shulin Zaodian" is an anthology of calligraphy criticism from various dynasties, arranged chronologically and by individuals. It starts from the legendary era of Cang Jie inventing characters and ends in the Qing Dynasty, covering 2,817 individuals. The cited references include a large number of collected works and local gazettes, as well as 367 other sources, demonstrating the thoroughness of the compilation. At the beginning of each dynasty, there is an introductory essay providing comprehensive analysis and criticism of calligraphy during that period, offering many insightful observations. Thus, it is not only a reference book but also a history of calligraphy. "Shulin Jishi" was a byproduct of compiling "Zaodian." This book collects over 700 anecdotes and historical facts about calligraphers, also arranged chronologically and by individuals. "Zaodian" and "Jishi" can be considered two parts of the same work, equally valuable for calligraphy historians, critics, calligraphers, and general enthusiasts of calligraphy.