Illustrated Dong Zhou Lie Guo Zhi (Volumes 1 and 2)

Author: (Ming) Feng Menglong (Compiler), (Qing) Cai Yuangang (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: Chinese classical fiction, which has undergone significant development over thousands of years, from the classical Chinese "Remnants of Small Words" in the pre-Qin period to the vernacular chaptered long novels in the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the history of literature, from ancient myths and legends to Wei-Jin Qingtan, fables and humorous tales, supernatural tales and legendary stories, storytelling and narrative fiction, the literary forms have been exceptionally diverse and influential, each leading its own trend. With unparalleled popular accessibility and readability compared to other literary genres, they have gained widespread recognition and dissemination among the masses, greatly enriching the treasure trove of classical literature and becoming a popular medium for popular historical and cultural knowledge. As a result, various classical novels remain ever-relevant.
Illustrations and engravings are a traditional art form in Chinese classical fiction, serving to highlight the plot, interpret the artistic conception, and provide both entertainment and self-reflection. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, this practice has become widespread. The Ming and Qing periods were a time of flourishing for traditional woodblock printing art and vernacular and legendary novels, with various styles and schools of illustrated novels being widely published. A vibrant display of literary heritage was left for later generations to draw upon. Today, as reading illustrations has become a fashionable aesthetic trend, to cater to the aesthetic tastes of readers and fully utilize this rich traditional cultural resource, we have specially launched the "Illustrated Classical Novels Series of the Ming and Qing Dynasties." We have selected fine-crafted illustrated novels from the Ming and Qing dynasties, either in woodblock printing or lithography, for and publication. We hope this series will bring vitality to the publishing of cultural ancient books today.