孙通海

Public information about Sun Tonghai is limited, and what can be confirmed is mainly his work as an editor and annotator. His contributions appear in the "Complete Annotated and Translated Chinese Classics" series, including the four-volume Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (Liaozhai Zhiyi) and Zhuangzi. The former belongs to social fiction, while the latter belongs to Eastern philosophy; the two texts are separated by vast stretches of time and differ greatly in genre, indicating that his work spans vernacular annotation of classical fiction and the translation and interpretation of pre-Qin philosophical classics. Such complete editions, with full annotation and translation, aim to provide ordinary readers with reliable original texts, detailed notes, and readable translations, making difficult ancient works accessible. On the available evidence, his contribution lies chiefly in popularization and editorial work, helping readers approach the originals through annotation and translation; details of his life, education, and career cannot be verified.