Classic of Mountains and Seas
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Summary
Editor's review
In terms of reading value, this edition serves well as an introductory guide to The Classic of Mountains and Seas. The editorial team's work lies in turning the vast, fragmented records into relatively coherent text and explaining key names and things, which makes it easier for general readers to understand this work steeped in mythic geography. For researchers seeking in-depth scholarly textual criticism, however, the annotations in this edition may be somewhat brief; it leans more toward cultural popularization and readability of the text. Overall, this is an organized edition that balances the flavor of the original with modern reading habits, guiding readers on an initial roam through that magnificent and wondrous world of ancient imagination and letting them feel the ancients' primal understanding of and romantic fantasy about all things in heaven and earth.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Beginning readers interested in ancient Chinese myths and fantastical geography
- Readers who wish to understand the framework of The Classic of Mountains and Seas systematically but are intimidated by classical Chinese
- Culture enthusiasts who love tales of the strange and seek creative inspiration
- Middle school students or general readers of literature and history who need a basic edition of The Classic of Mountains and Seas
Not a good fit for
- Scholars devoted to professional textual collation of and in-depth academic research on The Classic of Mountains and Seas
- Collectors who seek pure facsimiles of the original text without any modern translation
Reading tips
- Begin with the preface or introduction to understand the book's arrangement and its principles of translation and annotation
- While reading, consult the directional diagrams in the book to build a sense of space
- Treat it as an index: for beasts or lands that interest you, consult more specialized literature for further reading
About the publisher
China Friendship Publishing Company is a comprehensive publisher known for its literary titles, covering classical Chinese literature, foreign literature, folk literature and cultural appreciation. According to the books in the database, its classical list includes celebrated dramas and novels such as The Peony Pavilion, The Romance of the Western Chamber and Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, as well as note-style classics like Hong Mai's Rongzhai Suibi. In foreign literature it offers translations of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, Kawabata Yasunari's Snow Country and Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl, involving translators such as Zeng Siyi. It also publishes The Complete Literary Works of Lu Xun and titles associated with the "Xue'er Shuguan" editorial group, balancing the collation and popularization of classic texts. Public information on its publishing features and plans is limited; the above is summarized only from the books in the database.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 出版说明
- 卷一 南山经
- 卷二 西山经
- 卷三 北山经
- 卷四 东山经
- 卷五 中山经
- 卷六 海外南经
- 卷七 海外西经
- 卷八 海外北经
- 卷九 海外东经
- 卷十 海内南经
- 卷十一 海内西经
- 卷十二 海内北经
- 卷十三 海内东经
- 卷十四 大荒东经
- 卷十五 大荒南经
- 卷十六 大荒西经
- 卷十七 大荒北经
- 卷十八 海内经
FAQ
Does this edition of The Classic of Mountains and Seas include the complete text?
Are the illustrations in the book original images from ancient editions?
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About the author
The editorial team of "Xue'er Shushe" (Xue'er Library) is a compiling group oriented toward the collation and popularization of classical Chinese literary texts. Public information about it is limited, and the composition of its members and the background of its founding have not been disclosed. Judging from the nine titles collected in the database, the team's selections focus on classical poetry, prose, and miscellaneous notes. They cover prose miscellanies such as Rongzhai Suibi and Soushen Ji, anthologies of prose through the ages such as Guwen Guanzhi, and classics of poetry, ci, and qu such as Tangshi Sanbai Shou, Songci Sanbai Shou, Yuanqu Sanbai Shou, and Chuci, as well as a three-volume combined edition, Tangshi Songci Yuanqu Sanbai Shou. Its work leans toward compiling anthologies and collating texts, offering ordinary readers accessible editions of classical literature; the titles are commonly classified under literary appreciation, ancient poetry, and classic works. Most of these books belong to long-established anthology traditions, and the team's role lies in organizing and presenting them rather than in original authorship.
