Homophones and variant characters annotated

Author: Ma Qiyong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Homophones are the biggest textual obstacle in reading ancient books and organizing ancient texts. "Those who do not understand homophones cannot engage in reading ancient books." Addressing the urgent needs of current ancient text organizers, researchers in Chinese literature and history, secondary school Chinese teachers, university liberal arts students, and general readers of ancient texts, the compilers of Homophones Explained have, based on the research achievements of predecessors and contemporary scholars, spent nearly two decades systematically reviewing and verifying historical documents and inscriptions on stone, metal, bamboo slips, and silk. They have collected 3,600 homophones, extensively citing textual evidence and the interpretations of scholars from ancient and modern times. This is currently the most comprehensive homophone book with the richest materials. The book highly values the combination of professional academic rigor and social practicality. It clearly marks the modern and ancient pronunciations of homophones and original characters, and lists the original meaning, original character, and borrowed meaning of each homophone under the character entry. It is not only suitable for professional use but also an ideal and practical reference book for general readers of ancient books.