English Translation of Classical Chinese Calligraphy Masterpieces

There are currently no satisfactory English translations of prominent classical Chinese calligraphy masterpieces (, exemplary works that are worth for all to study and observe) like Cao Quan Stele () and Lanting Xu (). This is the first book that offers line-by-line English translations of the following five Chinese calligraphy masterpieces along with detailed annotations and explanations using historical reference books and texts:

 

1. Cao Quan Stele () by an unknown calligrapher (185AD);

2. Lanting Xu () by Wang Xizhi (, 303-361AD);

3. Elaborations on the Chronicle of Ni Kuan () by Chu Suiliang   

   (, 596-658AD);

4. A Poem on General Pei () by Yan Zhenqing (, 709-   

    785AD);

5. Huai Su’s Autobiography ()  by Huai Su (, 725-785 AD or 

    737-799 AD).

Previous attempts by renowned scholars such as Patricia Ebrey (in translating Cao Quan Stele) and LIN Yutang (, in translating Lanting Xu) contain significant errors and omissions and will be briefly discussed in this book. Hence, serious learners of Chinese calligraphy as well as scholars studying traditional Chinese culture will find this book particularly useful.