钱易

Very little is publicly known about Qian Yi's life, so any account must rest on the works attributed to him. According to the records available here, three titles appear under his name, all connected with the Southern New Book (Nanbu Xinshu): the work itself and an edition combining it with the Maoting Kehua. This book is usually classed among old-style biji and miscellaneous notes, recording court and provincial affairs, institutions, and anecdotes from the Tang through the Five Dynasties, in a terse, essay-like style. The catalogue labels it a minor classic for literary-minded readers, suggesting that it is not a mainstream text but an obscure old book that rewards close reading. The tags “otherworldly continent” and “Eastern philosophy” indicate that it is also recommended on contemporary reading platforms in broader, cross-genre terms. Since Qian Yi's native place, official career, and dates are unconfirmed, no speculation is offered here; he is treated simply as the compiler and transmitter of the Southern New Book.