Jingzhiju Shihua (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: (Qing) Zhu Yizun, compiled by Yao Zugen, edited and annotated by Huang Juntan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1990-10-01
Features: Poetry and history are intertwined in a continuous cycle. Records are history, and odes are also history. The "Guofeng" (National Airs) is the history of fifteen states, while the "Ya" (Elegies) is the history of the Zhou dynasty. The "Shang" (Hymns) of Lu, listed as "Praise," is also the history of Lu. The five sages composed songs, participating in deliberations and decrees; the principles of the "Spring and Autumn Annals" preserved poetry through history: thus, its meaning is historical, though its style need not be. Therefore, when Mr. Zhu compiled this book, was it a treatise on poetry or history? I believe it is history. Mr. Zhu, with his profound and magnificent talent, entered the imperial history bureau through recommendation but was dismissed shortly after. In his later years, he compiled the "Comprehensive Collection of Ming Dynasty Poetry" in one hundred volumes, adhering strictly to historical methods. The first ten emperors are treated as "Basic Annals," followed by the "Lineage of the Imperial Clan," emphasizing branches; then come the "Musical Chapters," celebrating sacrifices to the gods and reporting achievements; next are the officials, titled "Families and Schools," in the style of biographies, including the "Banished Scholars," "Men of Integrity," and "Hermits"; followed by "Solo Figures"; then the "Foreign States," reflecting the principle of "no boundaries"; then the "Palace and Courtyard," governing the conduct of women; next are the Buddhist monks, Taoist priests, artisans, merchants, maidservants, and miscellaneous groups, concluding with supernatural tales, folk songs, and ballads, which record the five elements; preceded by brief biographies and ending with poetry discussions. The collection is extensive, supplementing the gaps in official histories. It includes works from over three thousand four hundred authors. However, those who held high positions, seized great power, feared even ghosts, and moved swiftly like storms were excluded, yet they were not even mentioned alongside concubines and eunuchs. Alas, how strict Mr. Zhu was! Mr. Zhu was a prolific author, and collectors across the land sought his works eagerly. Yet I regretted not having this book as a standalone volume. Mr. Yao Liu of Qiantang brought it to light, and with the efforts of Chen Yu from Xuétian in reviewing and annotating, a recent visitor to me shared the details of its publication. Recognizing Mr. Yao’s ability to elucidate the profound and reveal the obscure, I sought to understand the purpose behind Mr. Zhu’s work and wrote the preface above. Poetry is history. Poetry discussions are also history. Thus, this book is a history of the history of songs!