A Flow of Chinese Books (Illustrated Treasure Edition)

Author: Xi Chunnian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-12-01
Features: This series of "Chinese Version Culture" discusses the versions of books, specifically the versions of Chinese books, and mainly focuses on the versions of ancient books, which were commonly referred to as "ancient books" before modern times. This might seem like a field for libraries and university library science departments, but it's not entirely the case. Anyone studying ancient Chinese literature and history or frequently engaging with ancient books needs to have some knowledge of this field. In fact, many scholars have mastered this knowledge and have become experts or enthusiasts in ancient book versions. Expanding the scope further, many people who are not engaged in research or teaching but work in other professions also develop an interest in ancient book versions. Take, for example, the enthusiastic scenes at auction houses like the China Bookstore for selling old and rare books—this year, I gave lectures on this topic at the National Library, Shanghai Library, Fudan University, and East China Normal University, and the audiences were packed. All of this demonstrates that this field of study has indeed gained recognition and popularity in society. China is the birthplace of block printing and movable-type printing, and the Four Great Inventions, including printing, are a glorious chapter written by the Chinese nation in the history of human culture. The older generation of experts has achieved remarkable accomplishments in this field of study, which we admire. Today, those who are passionate about this field should strive even harder to ensure that it continues to thrive and surpass previous achievements. This is the wish of an octogenarian like myself. I believe that the publication of this series will provide strong support for the fulfillment of this wish and ensure that it does not go unfulfilled.