Yuanfeng Classified Drafts

Yuanfeng Leigao is a collection of poetry and prose by the Northern Song writer Zeng Gong, named after the Yuanfeng era in which it was compiled. It gathers his writings in various genres along with his poetry and is a basic source for understanding Zeng Gong's prose. Zeng Gong was one of the "Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song," with a pure, rigorous style, especially skilled in prefaces, records, letters and argumentation; his narrative is clear and his language concise, unhurried and suited to close reading of structural craft and argumentative restraint. This book belongs to the "Essence of Chinese Classics: Original Texts" series, preserves the original appearance of the book, and focuses on preserving and transmitting traditional thought and culture without excessive rewriting, so readers can approach the ancient text directly. Literary enthusiasts can thereby experience the practice of the Song dynasty ancient prose movement; those learning to write can also learn from its organization and restraint in diction. However, the original has no modern annotation or translation, and allusions and Song-era personnel backgrounds are numerous, so beginners may find it remote; they should read famous pieces selectively, use annotated editions alongside, and then gradually expand.