General Survey of Ci Studies
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Summary
Editor's review
The book's distinctive value lies in its integration of theory and practice. Wu Mei was not only an outstanding theorist but also a superb composer of ci and drama, so his analyses of the formal features, tonal requirements, and craft of ci are especially incisive, often pinpointing the strengths and weaknesses of works across the ages. Compared with later ci scholarship that leans toward textual criticism or purely aesthetic appreciation, this book retains the living temper of classical literary criticism, marked by distinct personal taste and artistic judgment; reading it yields both knowledge and a sense of the author's deep feeling for and original insight into the Chinese ci tradition.
For contemporary readers, the book is a reliable guide to the development of ci literature from the Tang and Song onward. It helps us move beyond simple "appreciation" into the internal laws of the form, understanding why ci flourished in particular historical periods, how its form constrained and stimulated expression, and how different poets displayed individuality within set metrical patterns. This Shanghai Classics Publishing House edition is carefully edited and preserves the scholarly character of the original; it is a classic work of scholarship worth rereading and collecting.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Readers interested in classical Chinese literature, especially ci, who wish to understand the basic theory of ci studies systematically
- University students of Chinese literature and researchers in classical literature, who may use it as a reference or introductory guide for ci studies courses
- Enthusiasts who attempt to compose ci in the traditional style, for whom the book's explanations of prosody, meter, and technique are highly practical
- Culture lovers who wish to deepen their appreciation of classical poetry and understand the evolution and aesthetic character of ci
Not a good fit for
- Readers seeking light entertainment or modern poetry appreciation
- Readers expecting a large collection of original ci texts or mere biographical stories rather than theoretical analysis
Reading tips
- Read the introduction and first two chapters first to build a general understanding of basic concepts (origins of ci, differences among ci, shi, and qu, and ci prosody), then choose later chapters according to interest for deeper reading
- While reading, compare against works by the classic ci poets mentioned (such as Wen Tingyun, Su Shi, Zhou Bangyan, and Xin Qiji) to see how theoretical analysis relates to actual works
- For more technical chapters on rhyme and tonal patterns, do not insist on mastering everything at once; absorb them gradually through rereading or creative practice
About the publisher
Shanghai Classics Publishing House is a professional publisher centered on the collation of ancient texts and academic research works. Its publishing areas cover historical readings, classical poetry, folk literature, literary appreciation, canonical works, and Eastern philosophy. Its books include Chen Yinke's A Brief Discussion of the Origins of the Sui and Tang Institutions, Xin Qiji's Chronological Annotated Edition of Jiaxuan's Ci (Simplified Edition), Tang Xianzu's The Peony Pavilion, Liu Xie's The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons, as well as New Annotations to Three Hundred Tang Poems (Collector's Edition), Annotated Edition of Han Changli's Collected Works (Simplified Edition, 3 volumes), and Youyang Zazu. Its authors include Chen Yinke, Xin Qiji, Tang Xianzu, Liu Xie, Deng Guangming, Hengtang Tuishi, Han Yu, and Ma Qichang. In terms of publishing characteristics, the house emphasizes collation, annotation, and compilation of ancient texts alongside academic research works, and continues to issue simplified and collector's editions that balance scholarship and accessibility. Public information about the publisher's fuller publishing profile is limited.
Contents
- 导读
- 第一章 绪论
- 第二章 论平仄四声
- 第三章 论韵
- 第四章 论音律
- 第五章 作法
- 第六章 概论一 唐五代
- 第七章 概论二 两宋
- 第八章 概论三 金元
- 第九章 概论四 明清
FAQ
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How does this book compare with similar works such as Long Yusheng's Ten Lectures on Ci Studies?
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About the author
Wu Mei was a modern Chinese scholar of classical ci poetry and traditional opera, though publicly available information about him is limited and biographical details remain to be verified. Judging from the seven works held in the collection, his writing spans two main fields: ci studies and opera. He produced systematic treatments of ci prosody and composition, such as General Principles of Ci Studies, How to Write Ci, and Wu Mei on Ci Studies, as well as a specialized study of opera's origins and theory, Random Talks on Opera: An Introduction to Chinese Opera. The collection also includes Three Kinds of Early Peking University Lectures on Literary History and The Shuangya Ci Collection. His writing is marked by clear scholarship and orderly exposition, with attention to prosody and close textual analysis; he often blends his own creative experience into theoretical discussion, making the works accessible to beginners while useful to specialists. These books remain important references for understanding traditional ci and opera and continue to influence literary appreciation and teaching.
