"Collected Works of Xiangshan" collation

Author: Wang Zhidao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Some literary descriptions in this book provide important materials for the study of the military history of the Song Dynasty. In the past, it was generally believed that the early Southern Song Dynasty's resistance against the Jin forces was primarily led by figures like Yue Fei and Han Shizhong. This book, however, presents another vivid picture of the resistance against the Jin forces beyond this main thread. For example, in Volume 20, there are works such as "Letter on the Benefits and Drawbacks of Painting Another Map for Wang Zhongcheng" and "Letter on the Benefits and Drawbacks of the Three Provinces' Military Secretariat," and in Volume 21, there is "Letter on Requesting the Sale of Monastic Certificates to Procure Military Grain," and so on. In the context of a weaker side facing a stronger adversary, Wang Zhidao articulated his military theories and ideas through literary language, which still holds relevance today. The book also provides valuable materials for the study of Song Dynasty water transport, religion (e.g., "Record of Products from Luzhou Tianqing Temple"), commerce, and social conflicts. Wang Zhidao's thoughts, deeds, and writings were lost to history for over eight hundred years, a neglect and injustice by history. By editing and publishing The Collection of Xiangshan, the author hopes that it can provide greater accessibility for more readers and offer faint clues for more researchers, however small his contribution may be to.