Classical Chinese for Children / Selected and Edited by Shang Wei

Every era should have its own selection of classical Chinese texts, showcasing a vibrant spirit woven from themes, styles, and literary forms that remain relevant and engaging even today. When ancient literature is mentioned, Tang and Song poetry often comes to mind, but China has also historically been a great nation of prose. In terms of language learning, classical Chinese is the starting point, and there is no other path. This book is a carefully curated collection of classical Chinese texts for contemporary readers by Professor Shang Wei, an indispensable selection for children, parents, and anyone who wishes to learn classical Chinese but doesn't know where to begin. This volume features over eighty selections of classical Chinese texts, ranging from the pre-Qin period to modern times. It includes writings from various schools of thought, such as passages from *Lao Tzu* and *Chuang Tzu*, as well as historical narratives. It also encompasses beloved prose by the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song dynasties, alongside outstanding pieces by renowned scholars and masters throughout the ages. The selection spans a wide range of literary genres, with texts arranged from easier to more challenging, guiding readers step by step into the rich world of classical Chinese literature. The editor has added detailed introductions before each piece, which go beyond typical author biographies, background information, and summaries. Each introduction has a distinct focus, striving to reveal the multifaceted nature of classical Chinese writing and inspire different approaches to reading, thereby aiding readers in achieving a deeper understanding of the texts. Classical Chinese is the key to unlocking the vast tradition of Chinese culture. This book aims to cultivate a lifelong appreciation and ability to read classical Chinese literature, allowing the rich resources of thousands of years of Chinese culture to re-enter and nourish the intellectual world of contemporary readers. ISBN: 978-988-237-176-7 Binding: Paperback Language: Traditional Chinese Pages: 456 Dimensions: 210 x 130 x 26 mm **About the Editor** Shang Wei is the Tang Professor of Chinese Culture at Columbia University's Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. He holds degrees from Peking University and Harvard University and studied under distinguished scholars such as Yuan Xingpei, Lin Geng, Stephen Owen, and Patrick Hanan. His recent publications include *Writing the Scenery: From the Yellow Crane Tower to the Phoenix Terrace*. https://youtu.be/cuT4fqax-FI