Song Ci Poetry

Name: Song Ci Poetry
ISBN: 9787545104073

Xiao FengLiaohai Publishing House · ChinaApr 2025

4.2

Word count: 68 words
Chapters: 12
ISBN: 9787545104073

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Summary

Ci poetry of the Song dynasty is a dazzling diamond in the crown of classical Chinese literature and a fragrant, colorful garden in its broader landscape. With its rich hues and myriad forms, it rivals Tang poetry and contends in splendor with Yuan drama. It drew nourishment from the Book of Songs, the Songs of Chu, and the poetry of the Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties, and in turn fed the drama and fiction of the Ming and Qing. Even today it continues to cultivate the spirit and bring readers the highest artistic pleasure.

Editor's review

Centered on Song ci poetry, this book begins with its origins and overall character, helping readers build a coherent picture of how the genre developed and what makes it distinctive. It stresses that Song ci inherited from the Book of Songs, the Songs of Chu, and Han-Wei and Six Dynasties poetry, and in turn paved the way for Ming-Qing drama and fiction, showing its pivotal place in literary history. For readers who want to understand why Song ci could rival Tang poetry and contend with Yuan drama, the book offers a clear, overarching perspective. Its exposition is largely summary and appreciation, making it a good introductory guide to Song ci and a pleasant book to dip into at leisure to savor the sonic and emotional beauty of the form. Reading it alongside specific ci poems works best: the general judgments can then be grounded in close reading.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Beginners interested in Song ci but lacking systematic knowledge
Classical literature enthusiasts who want to understand Song ci's place in literary history
Primary and secondary school Chinese teachers seeking an overview for poetry instruction
General readers who want to enjoy the flavor of classical verse in spare moments

Not a good fit for

Advanced readers seeking detailed annotations and appreciation of individual ci poems
Specialist researchers expecting a large anthology of specific ci poets and works
Readers who prefer modern vernacular fiction or practical nonfiction

Reading tips

Read through the book first to grasp the overall development of Song ci, then return to chapters of interest for closer savoring.
Jot down the ci tunes or poets mentioned and read representative works alongside the book.
Read one short section a day, reciting aloud to feel the rhythm and emotion of the ci.
After finishing, try summarizing in your own words how Song ci differs from Tang poetry and Yuan drama.

About the publisher

Liaohai Publishing House China · Founded in 1996

Liaohai Publishing House is a comprehensive publisher known for textbooks and the collation of ancient works. Its publishing scope covers state-approved textbooks, local curriculum materials, supplementary educational books, and national and local ancient-text compilation projects, while also extending into humanities fields such as Eastern philosophy. Its catalog contains about 4,694 titles, with representative works including the multi-volume Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), and its author resources include classic writers and works such as Sima Qian and Confucius. Grounded in educational publishing and the transmission of traditional culture, the press maintains sustained investment in ancient-text collation, forming a publishing profile that balances textbooks and scholarship. Due to limited public information, its more specific publishing directions and features require further supplementation.

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FAQ

Is this book suitable for readers with no background?

Yes. It is mainly summary and appreciation, aimed at giving readers an overall impression of Song ci and assumes no deep grounding in classical literature. Absolute beginners can use it as an introductory guide, first getting a general sense of Song ci and then gradually moving into specific works.

Does the book explain famous ci poems one by one?

Given its scope, the book focuses more on general appraisal of Song ci's overall character and place in literary history than on detailed annotation of individual poems. To go deeper into a particular famous work, read it alongside an anthology of Song ci with annotations and commentary.

Do I need to read Tang poetry first?

No. The book mentions comparisons with Tang poetry to explain Song ci's artistic features and place in literary history, not to require prior knowledge of Tang poetry. Still, a little familiarity with Tang poetry will make the comparisons more rewarding.

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About the author

Xiao Feng Author · China · 1926–2001

Xiao Feng (1926–2001) was born in Pinglu, Shanxi, and graduated from the Department of Chinese Literature at Peking University in 1946. He worked as a reporter and editor for China Youth Publishing House and the magazine Traveler, taught at Renmin University of China and Beijing Normal University, later served as deputy editor-in-chief and editor-in-chief, and joined the Chinese Writers Association in 1984. He co-edited works such as A Comprehensive Guide to Chinese Tourism, Fifty Famous Travel Essays, and Beautiful China, and published hundreds of essays, travel pieces, and literary reviews. His works span inspirational growth, classic literature, and prose miscellany. The library holds over a thousand of his titles, including selected editions of Lu Xun's works and Les Misérables. Public information is limited, but his writing and editorial work were aimed at general readers and helped popularize classics and promote prose and travel writing.