Qi Rushan's Notes: The Qi Rushan Works Series

Author: Qi Rushan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-02-01
Features: Qi Rushan (1877-1962), a theorist of theatrical arts. 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 its eighth collection. Notes were Mr. Qi's preferred form of writing, and the forty-five pieces included 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 surely recognize them. The two types of notes—lyric, narrative, and critical—are extensive and engaging, making it hard to put down. His writing mirrors his personality: bold, lively, witty, and youthful in tone. His observations are broad and meaningful, clearly showing his cross-era experience. Qi Rushan is Qi Rushan—few can match his concern for human nature or his ability to discern the complexities of society. He does not follow the crowd's voice, nor does he echo others' opinions. He avoids painting with both red and black. He advocates "not following the beaten path," meaning "one who does not follow the beaten path has a beaten path but does not follow it." Thus, we have the freshness of "Willow Breeze Skews the Wind" and the vitality of "Peach Blossoms Amidst Creamy Rain." His connection to Peking Opera and shadow puppetry, the standards of Chinese beauty, the entanglement of Cao Xueqin's family and the Jia Mansion, and the story of Sai Jinhua and Waldorf—these are all themes he explored.