Author
Mei Yuan
1716-1798
Mei Yuan (1716-1798) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Mei Yuan
隨園詩話
"隨園詩話" by Yuan Mei is a collection of essays on poetics and criticism written in the 18th century. The book explores the nuances of poetry, the nature of artistic expression, and the interplay of personal experience with artistic creation. It offers insights into various poetic styles and the importance of emotional authenticity, making it a rich resource for understanding traditional Chinese poetry. At the start of the text, the author presents reflections on the ambitions and struggles of historical figures, suggesting that great aspirations often emerge from humble beginnings. He discusses the contrasting circumstances of famous poets and their moods during different periods in their lives, emphasizing the impact of personal experiences on their artistic output. This opening establishes a contemplative tone, engaging readers with the interplay of character, aspiration, and the essence of poetry, laying the groundwork for the critical discussions that follow.
續子不語
"續子不語" by Mei Yuan is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book delves into various themes, including morality, supernatural encounters, and the nuances of human relationships. The stories feature a range of characters, including common folk, spiritual beings, and mythical creatures, each facing challenges that reflect deeper philosophical and moral questions. The opening of "續子不語" introduces a series of vignettes, starting with a man escaping a pack of wolves by climbing a pile of firewood. The narrative shifts through different tales, including a peculiar encounter with a creature that resembles a wolf but is not quite one, and a story of a wise man who receives insights from the supernatural. Each segment showcases Mei Yuan's blend of folklore and human experience, hinting at the overarching exploration of the entwined destinies of humans, nature, and the spiritual realm. The tone is both mystical and reflective, setting the stage for a deeper examination of life's intricacies as the book progresses.
子不語
"子不語" by Yuan Mei is a collection of supernatural stories first published in 1788. This Qing Dynasty anthology contains over 700 tales that defied Confucian orthodoxy, depicting ghosts, forbidden desires, revenge, and corruption in daily life. The title ironically references Confucius's refusal to discuss supernatural matters. So popular it faced government censorship in 1836, Yuan Mei's collection captures the vivid tapestry of Chinese society through stories gathered from friends, relatives, and official records—defending his work as an aging scholar's final indulgence.