Li Yumei

毛祥麟Nanhai Publication Company · ChinaSep 2023

3.1

Word count: 1K words
Chapters: 2

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Summary

This book is Li Yumei, by Mao Xianglin.

Editor's review

This book, Li Yumei by Mao Xianglin, follows the note-writing tradition in length and format and recounts the life and deeds of Li Yumei. Li Yumei was a Qing official known for harnessing the Yellow River and pioneering brick dams, and this book can be read as a source on his life and river-management achievements. For readers interested in Qing water-control history, river-engineering techniques, and the realities of local official administration, it preserves useful details and a particular narrative perspective. Readers should note the characteristics of the note genre: concise accounts, implicit praise and blame, and not necessarily source citations for every entry. Used as research material, it should be cross-checked against official histories, river-works archives, and local gazetteers; read generally, it offers a glimpse of the difficulties of Qing river administration and the exertions of capable officials. Overall, it suits readers as a short introduction to a Qing river-management figure rather than a comprehensive biography.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in Qing water-control history and river-engineering techniques
Readers of history and literature studying Qing officials' lives and local administration
Students needing note-style sources for biographical research
General readers interested in stories of capable officials in premodern China

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting a detailed, chronological full biography
Engineering researchers seeking a systematic treatise on river-engineering techniques
Beginners impatient with classical Chinese note style

Reading tips

Learn the basic background of Yellow River management in the Qing first for easier understanding of the achievements
Compare the book's account with the official biography of Li Yumei, noting differences in detail and selection
Pay attention to specific river-works measures and consult basic information on brick dams as needed
After reading, sort out the author's praise and blame to avoid treating the account as definitive

About the publisher

Nanhai Publication Company China · Founded in 1988

Nanhai Publication Company is a comprehensive publisher known for its literature and arts titles, covering fields such as classical poetry, martial arts fiction, and folk literature. Judging from the more than 1,600 books in the database, the company has released classical poetic works including the Nineteen Old Poems and the Nine Songs, as well as multiple volumes of Huanzhulouzhu's series The Swordsmen of Mount Shu, along with related writings by authors such as Guan Hanqing, Qu Yuan, Zuo Si, and Wang Zhihuan. Its publishing character lies in balancing the organization of classic texts with the dissemination of popular literature, placing poetry anthologies alongside long martial arts novels and presenting a relatively diverse literary profile. Public information is limited, and further details about its editorial practices and series planning remain to be supplemented.

版权信息
栗毓美

FAQ

Who was Li Yumei?

According to public-domain general knowledge, Li Yumei was a Qing official who served in Henan and elsewhere and is known for harnessing the Yellow River and pioneering brick dams. This book recounts his life and achievements, but the material provides no further detail; readers may consult official biographies and river-works sources for more.

Is this book suitable for research citation?

As a note-style account, it can serve as a reference lead on the figure and river-works history, but should not stand alone as the sole basis. Cross-check it against the official biography, river-works archives, and local gazetteers, note the author's stance and selections, and identify the nature of the source when citing.

Can I understand it without knowledge of water engineering?

Yes. The narrative centers on the figure's deeds and does not require a professional water-engineering background. When encountering terms such as brick dams or river works, consult basic background first; understanding the difficulties of river management will make the official's achievements feel more substantial.

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About the author

毛祥麟 Author

Mao Xianglin's biographical details remain unknown, and publicly available information is limited. Judging from the nineteen works held in the collection, his writing draws largely on folk legends and local lore, including titles such as The Embroidered Shoe in the Stone Cave, The Black-and-White Tale, The Huang Daopo Shrine, Wutong Shen, and The Tale of Tian Yu, as well as note-style miscellanies like Duishan Yumo and Pingyuan Wenshi Ji. His subjects move between the supernatural, anecdotes, and historical and geographical observations. The narratives are concise and carry the plain flavor of traditional notebook literature, valuing complete and engaging stories while occasionally reflecting on human affairs. His works are classified under classics, folk literature, and Eastern philosophy, showing their value in preserving folk narrative and traditional culture. Owing to the lack of biographical material, his life and associations await further study, and the existing works are the main basis for understanding his writing.