Old Anecdotes of the Family Lineage
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Summary
Traditional Chinese culture and thought have a long history and are highly original, inventive, and literary. Early thought forms are distinctive: religious theology, classical texts of Chinese medicine, ancient military strategy, Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and the Hundred Schools of Thought, feng shui and arcane learning, the Twenty-Four Histories, and local customs and gazetteers—all are profound and extensive. This “Essence of Classic Chinese Culture: Original Texts” series preserves the appearance of the original books, with the emphasis on conserving and transmitting traditional Chinese thought and culture. By reading the literary essence left by ancient sages, readers cultivate temperament and subtly come to understand the classics of Chinese learning.
Editor's review
Jiashi Jiuwen (Old Tales of the Family) is included in the “Essence of Classic Chinese Culture: Original Texts” series. Its author, Lu You, is known to the world for his poetry and prose, but this book belongs to his writings that record family lore and personal observations. It preserves the appearance of the original book, emphasizing record rather than interpretation. The value of such “old tales” lies in preserving family memory and sidelong glimpses of an era through firsthand, personally heard accounts. Readers can see the details of literati family life, fragments of social intercourse, and local customs; the flavor of historical source material coexists with the charm of informal notes. Compared with Lu You’s poetry collections, this book is more inclined to record events; its language is plain and unadorned. It suits readers interested in Song dynasty literati life and family documents who wish to read slowly. One need not enter it expecting a history book or a poetry collection; it can be regarded as a notebook of family memory, browsed piece by piece, with attention to personal relationships and everyday scenes. Because the original book is preserved, some content may feel remote to today’s readers; reading it alongside basic knowledge of Song dynasty society and culture is suggested. Where something is unclear, one need not insist on full coherence; first grasp the overall impression, then return to examine it closely. Overall, this is a book suitable both for leisurely reading and for consultation as reference material.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Song dynasty literati life and family documents
- Those who enjoy notes, jottings, and miscellaneous records
- Researchers of Lu You’s life or Song dynasty family history who need primary materials
- Those willing to read old tales slowly and sense the spirit of the era through details
Not a good fit for
- Readers expecting a selection of Lu You’s poetry or literary appreciation
- Readers seeking systematic historical exposition or a clear timeline
- Readers who prefer tightly plotted, fully narrated popular works
Reading tips
- First look through the table of contents or chapter list, and prioritize entries related to family figures and social intercourse
- Keep pen and paper at hand and jot down relationships and place names for cross-reference
- Do not seek word-by-word explanation; where something feels remote, read for the gist first, then revisit with general knowledge of the Song dynasty
- Read alongside Lu You’s poetry and prose to observe the different approaches of the same author in recording events and expressing feeling
Contents
- 版权信息
- 家世旧闻
- 卷上
- 卷下
FAQ
Is Jiashi Jiuwen a poetry collection by Lu You?
No. This book belongs to Lu You’s writings that record family lore and observations, mainly recording events, and is different from his poetic creation. Readers expecting a poetry selection or literary appreciation may be disappointed; those interested in Song dynasty literati family life, fragments of social intercourse, and details of customs will better appreciate the notebook’s charm and value as historical material.
Can readers without a foundation in Song history read this book?
Yes, but expectations need adjusting. The book preserves the original appearance and does not provide systematic exposition; people and events are scattered among the entries. It is suggested to first look through the contents and start with easier entries. When encountering unfamiliar titles or background, one need not insist on full coherence; grasping the overall impression is enough. Reading alongside material on Song dynasty society and culture can also help.
Is this book suitable for use as research material?
It is suitable as auxiliary primary material. The book preserves family lore and involves family figures, social intercourse, and daily observations, and has some reference value for studying Lu You’s life or Song dynasty literati family life. When using it, however, note its nature as notes; it should not be treated as a systematic historical work, and it is best read and verified against relevant histories and collected writings.
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About the author
Lu You
Author · China · 1125–1210
Lu You (1125–1210), courtesy name Wuguan and pseudonym Fangweng, was a native of Shanyin in Yuezhou (present-day Shaoxing, Zhejiang). A Southern Song writer, historian and patriotic poet, he advocated resistance against the Jin throughout his life and suffered repeated dismissal from office, yet never abandoned his devotion to the country—a sentiment that runs through all his writings. He left more than nine thousand poems, the largest surviving corpus among ancient Chinese poets. His work ranges widely over concern for the nation, landscapes and travel, and reflections on daily life, written in a grave, vigorous style that is at times clear and flowing, with concise and natural language. Besides the Ji'nan Shigao, he wrote the Weinan Wenji, Laoxue'an Biji and Nan Tang Shu, and is also known for Ru Shu Ji, an account of his travels, and the Fangweng Ci. His poetry, ci and prose have exerted a lasting influence, and he stands as a major figure of the Southern Song literary world.
