Detailed Explanation of Chinese Character Radicals (Illustrated Treasure Edition)

Author: Zuo Min'an, Wang Jinzhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: This book explains the components of Chinese characters. As far as I know, among books on this topic, this one stands out. Its main advantages are fourfold:
1. It lists oracle bone script, bronze inscriptions, seal script, and simplified characters, making the evolution of component characters clear at a glance.
2. For each component character, it first analyzes its form, then explains its original and extended meanings, establishing a preliminary semantic system for components. Each meaning is supported by ancient poetry and prose, adding interest.
3. It cites Xu Shen’s Shuowen Jiezi for each component character and briefly argues its accuracy or errors, striving for objectivity.
4. It traces the evolution of each component character from Shuowen Jiezi to Xinhua Dictionary, helping readers understand their historical changes.
Professor Zuo Min'an is a renowned literary scholar and a disciple of the distinguished etymologist Lu Zongjiao. He inherited the legacy of his master and achieved success in his studies. His Detailed Explanation of Chinese Characters has gained widespread acclaim and benefited many young learners. Now, in collaboration with Professor Wang Jinzhong, he has written this book, which is equally engaging and accessible, not inferior to his previous work.
— Yang Chunlin (Famous Writer)
"The root of a character refers to the common element shared by many characters. As the world grows more complex, the number of characters increases daily. However, characters do not appear out of thin air. Their appearance in speech must be rooted in something. This root is the character’s origin." Therefore, studying roots and components is very helpful for learning and researching linguistics. This book is a companion to Detailed Explanation of Chinese Characters, explaining 320 common components in detail.
When explaining each component, it first lists its oracle bone script, bronze inscriptions, seal script, and regular script, making its evolution clear. Then, when discussing its original and extended meanings, it cites ancient poetry and prose for evidence, adding interest. Furthermore, it cites Shuowen Jiezi for each component and briefly argues its accuracy or errors, all with solid evidence. Lastly, it traces the evolution of each component from Shuowen Jiezi to Xinhua Dictionary. An appendix also includes a Component Comparison Table, providing a deeper understanding of their evolution.
This book is an excellent choice for improving readers’ literary and linguistic skills.