Book of Slander
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Summary
Traditional Chinese thought has a long history and is highly original, inventive and literary. Early thought forms have striking features, and religious theology, traditional Chinese medicine classics, ancient military texts, Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism and the Hundred Schools of Thought, feng shui and metaphysics, the Twenty-Four Histories, and local customs and geography are all profound and extensive in content. This series, "Essence of Chinese Classics: Original Texts," preserves the appearance of the original books and focuses on preserving and spreading traditional Chinese thought and culture. By reading the literary essence left by ancient sages, readers cultivate their temperament and subtly come to appreciate the classics of Chinese learning.
Editor's review
Chan Shu is included in the "Essence of Chinese Classics: Original Texts" series, which is positioned not as new compilation or new interpretation but as preserving the appearance of the original books and spreading traditional thought and culture. According to the materials, the series covers a wide range of content including religious theology, traditional Chinese medicine classics, ancient military texts, Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist and Hundred Schools thought, the Twenty-Four Histories, and local customs and geography. Chan Shu is therefore better understood as an entry point into the world of traditional classics rather than as an isolated popular title. Its value lies in providing a text relatively close to the original, allowing readers to come into direct contact with the ways ancients argued and expressed themselves, and to train their patience for classical Chinese and old books. In terms of reading context, it is suitable as a slow-reading book kept at one's desk, taking in a small passage at a time and digesting it with annotations and reference works; it is also suitable for readers who want to understand the genealogy of Chinese classics but do not want to be led along by excessive interpretation. A reminder: preserving the appearance of the original means a real reading threshold, and readers should be prepared to check and revisit, rather than seeking the pleasure of reading it all in one go.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Readers who want to encounter traditional texts in their original form and train their classical Chinese reading
- General readers interested in the genealogy of Chinese classics and ancient thought
- Readers who need slow-reading desk material and prefer advancing in short passages
- Learners who want to understand traditional argumentative styles and old-book expression
Not a good fit for
- Beginning readers expecting vernacular translations and detailed introductions
- Casual readers who prefer light stories or modern topics
- Researchers who need systematic academic textual criticism and in-depth annotation
Reading tips
- Read only a small passage at a time; first grasp the meaning of the whole sentence, then look up rare characters and words, without chasing speed.
- Keep a notebook to record recurring concepts and argumentative styles for easy cross-reference.
- Use reliable reference works on ancient Chinese or relevant background materials to check as you go.
- After finishing, pick one or two passages that struck you most and retell their gist to test your understanding.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 谗书卷第一
- 谗书卷第二
- 谗书卷第三
- 谗书卷第四
- 谗书卷第五
FAQ
Is this book a vernacular translation or the original text?
According to the materials, the series "preserves the appearance of the original books and focuses on preserving and spreading traditional Chinese thought and culture," so it is closer to the original presentation rather than mainly a vernacular rewriting. Reading may require reference works or background materials, and it suits readers willing to read slowly and check things.
Can I read it without a foundation in Chinese classics?
You can try, but be prepared. It is advisable to start with short passages, not aiming to understand everything at first, and to focus on sensing the thread of argument and the way words are used; when you hit obstacles, consult reference works or relevant background materials. If you want detailed translation and annotation, you will need to find another edition.
What does this series include?
The materials show that the series covers a wide range of fields including religious theology, traditional Chinese medicine classics, ancient military texts, Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist and Hundred Schools thought, feng shui and metaphysics, the Twenty-Four Histories, and local customs and geography. The specific titles are subject to the actual publications; readers can regard it as a selected genealogy of traditional classics.
Is it suitable for reading straight through from beginning to end?
Reading it straight through by force is not really recommended. Texts that preserve the original appearance often require pauses, checking and reflection, and are better read slowly in installments, taking in a small passage at a time. If time is limited, you can start with passages that interest you and then gradually expand.
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About the author
罗隠
Author
Luo Yin was a writer of the Tang dynasty. Public records about his life are limited, and neither his dates of birth and death nor his native place is known. The only work by him in this collection is the Slanderous Writings (Chan Shu). This collection consists mainly of short discursive pieces, often using historical anecdotes and fables to criticize contemporary abuses. Its style is sharp and concise, with a strong satirical flavor, and it is regarded as fairly representative of late Tang short prose. Its subjects often involve the gains and losses of official careers, social conduct and political ills, reflecting the author's concern for and criticism of reality. Because relevant historical records are scarce, the details of his life cannot be reliably established, yet the Slanderous Writings itself sufficiently demonstrates Luo Yin's skill in discursive prose and offers valuable texts for understanding the thought and literary style of late Tang literati.
