Chu Ci Plant Illustrated Dictionary (Literary Treasure)

Author: Pan Fujun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: A Botanical Guide to the Chuci presents 100 species of southern plants from important chapters of the Chuci, all accompanied by stunning photography and professional botanical explanations. It not only delights the eye but also allows you to delve into the characteristics of the plants, helping you understand the ingenuity of the poets and grasp the true meaning of the classic texts. Across the centuries, let us join the ancients in their gallop and experience the enduring vitality of literary life. This book creatively merges natural science with classical literature, applying the techniques of color illustrated reference books to the field of Chinese classical literature. With clear explanations and vivid photographs, it introduces numerous fragrant grasses and trees, as well as noxious ones, from the Chuci. The Chuci often uses fragrant and noxious plants to metaphorically represent loyal and treacherous individuals, exerting a profound influence on later generations. Beyond pioneering the literary tradition of comparing and contrasting objects, it also led scholars to inherit and recite these verses, forming a stereotypical set of values toward plants. Orchids and lilies are beautiful, while artemisia and other noxious plants are considered coarse, creating a stark divide between black and white, as if they cannot coexist. However, the author of this book meticulously clarifies the ecological characteristics of the plants, breaking down the distinction between beauty and ugliness, achieving something truly unique.