History of Yuan Qu - Color Illustration Classic Collection

Author: Wu Dexin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Yuanqu is another peak of classical Chinese literature following the Tang poetry and Song ci. Currently, there are 213 recorded Yuan qu poets, with 3,853 xiaoling and 457 qu sets. This book breaks the traditional model of Yuanqu anthologies in its editorial format, adopting a "left history, right classics" approach, where the left page introduces the historical background of Yuanqu, and the right page provides annotations and critiques of the works. This innovative format offers readers two reading threads: one introduces the lives and customs of nobles, scholars, commoners, and social conditions during the 130 years of the Yuan Dynasty; the other focuses on annotations and critiques of qu poetry. For years, undergraduate students in Chinese departments of Chinese universities have generally studied about ten qu poems, while graduate students in classical literature have studied about forty to fifty. This book selects works based on these standards and makes appropriate extensions, which is also the unique feature that distinguishes it from other contemporary Yuanqu anthologies. The appendix explains the system and related terms of Yuanqu and includes "short biographies of authors." The book features over 300 exquisite illustrations. These images not only reflect the living quarters, clothing, and life decorations of nobles, scholars, and commoners during that time but also include artistic interpretations of Yuanqu poetry by masters from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. When readers savor the essence of Yuanqu, these beautiful images will undoubtedly bring them delightful enjoyment.