Qi Rushan's Notes

Author: Qi Rushan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-02-01
Features: Qi Rushan (1877-1962), a theorist of theatrical art. As part of the "Qi Rushan Works Series," this volume includes two of Mr. Qi's books: "Qi Rushan's Notes" and "Notes." The editing is based on the "Complete Works of Qi Rushan" published in Taiwan, with both types of notes appearing in the eighth volume. Notes were Mr. Qi's preferred form of writing, and the forty-five pieces collected in this volume (fourteen from "Qi Rushan's Notes" and thirty-one from "Notes") well represent his writing style and reflect his deep understanding of human nature and keen insight into the world. His merits are beyond description, and readers will have their own judgment. The two types of notes—lyric, narrative, and critical—are extensive and engaging, making it hard to put down. His writing mirrors his personality: passionate, witty, and humorous, with a youthful touch. His experiences and perspectives are broad, and his words are meaningful, clearly showing his cross-era wisdom. Qi Rushan is Qi Rushan—few can match his concern for human nature or his insight into the world. He does not follow others' voices, nor does he conform to others' views. He avoids both flattery and condemnation. He advocates "not following the beaten path," meaning "to have a beaten path but not follow it." Thus, we have the freshness of "Willow Breeze Skewing," the vitality of "Peach Blossom and Creamy Rain." His connection to Peking Opera and shadow puppetry, the standards of Chinese beauty, the entanglement between Cao Xueqin and the Jia family, and the story of Sai Jinhua and Waldorf—