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Different from previous researches weighted toward historical description and individual writer and work, this book establishes a general analytical system and a multi-angled methodology to examine Chinese literature.
In ancient China, there was no definite concept of pure literature. Considering both modern ideas of literature and the corresponding traditional concept, this book broadly discusses Shi and Fu poetry, Ci poems and Qu verses, novels and essays. The four chapters deal with the origins, evolutions, structures and styles of the various genres respectively, analyzing some representative works. It's worth mentioning that the book is written from an individual perspective. Based on his own appreciation as a reader, the author expresses the depth of his various related impressions on Chinese literature. In addition, it conveys many fresh points of views, which will enrich and inspire related researches.
This book will appeal to scholars and students of Chinese literature and comparative literature. People who are interested in Chinese literature and Chinese culture will also benefit from this book.
List of contents
Foreword of the Chinese Edition. Preface of the Chinese Edition Volume 1 Shi and Fu Poetry Chapter 1 The Three Sources of Chinese Poetry and Ballads Chapter 2 The Rise and Fall of Shi and Fu Poetry Chapter 3 The Peak of Poetry: Tang Poems Chapter 4 The New Direction of Song Dynasty Poetry and the Flourishing of Poetry Studies Chapter 5 The Ebb Tide of Poetry: The Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties Chapter 6 The Structure and Style of Shi and Fu Poetry Interim Summary Volume 2 Ci Poems and Qu Verses Chapter 1 The Rise and Evolution of Ci Poetry Chapter 2 Qu Verses of the Yuan Dynasty Chapter 3 Chuanqi Opera in the Ming and Qing Dynasties Chapter 4 The Structure and Style of Ci and Qu Interim Summary Volume 3 The Novel Chapter 1 The Concept of the Novel and Its Debut Chapter 2 The Impetus Behind the Novel Chapter 3 Full-length Zhanghuiti Novel of Ming and Qing Dynasties Chapter 4 The Structure and Style of the Novel Interim Summary Volume 4 Essays Chapter 1 The Origin and Evolution of the Essay Chapter 2 The Structure and Style of Writings Interim Summary Further Discussion Afterword of the First Chinese Edition. Afterword of the Second Chinese Edition. Index
About the author
Yuan Xingpei is a professor of Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Peking University. His research focuses on Chinese classic literature, especially Chinese poetical art.
Summary
This book establishes a general analytical system and a multi-angled methodology to examine Chinese literature. It broadly discusses Shi and Fu poetry, Ci poems and Qu verses, novels and essays, including their origins, evolutions, structures and styles.
