Zhī Yǎnzhāi Chóng Píng Shítou Jì Gēngchén Gēběn (Quán Sì Juàn) (Xiūdìng Bǎn)

Author: Cao Xueqin (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This is the first edition published domestically and internationally that comprehensively reflects the original appearance of the Gengchen Edition of Dream of the Red Chamber, including its Zhi (annotations). The manuscript used for this edition is one of the eleven ancient manuscripts of Dream of the Red Chamber that exist today, being the most complete and authentic representation of the original final version left by Cao Xueqin. It was discovered and collected by Mr. Xu Xingshu in Beijing's Longfu Temple in 1932 and later donated to the Library of Yanjing University by his descendants. Today, it is preserved in the Peking University Library. This manuscript is considered a peerless treasure alongside the Jiaxu Edition (a fragmentary manuscript) discovered and collected by Mr. Hu Shi in 1927, both being nationally treasured copies. Based on two photolithographic editions published by the People's Literature Publishing House in 1975 and 1993, this edition has been proofread and printed, including relevant materials from the original manuscript and the photolithographic editions. The most significant difference between this edition and previously published common printings is that it strictly adheres to the original appearance of Cao Xueqin's final manuscript for proofreading and printing. It not only allows readers to glimpse the authentic original text of the final version but also enables them to directly savor the over 2,100 precious annotations left by Cao Xueqin's "red beauty confidante," Lishi Zhai, on the Gengchen manuscript (most of which differ from those in the previously published Jiaxu edition by the same publisher). This book holds high artistic appreciation value, academic research value, and version preservation value. The proofreading of this edition represents a major breakthrough in establishing the authentic text of Dream of the Red Chamber (including the Zhi annotations), and it deserves attention from people from all walks of life.