The Origin of Every Character / by He Daqi

**Tracing Origins, Illustrating Meanings** **Why does a character look like this?** To explain a single character is to write a cultural history. **— Chen Yinke** **"The form and meaning of a character are closely related,** **yet in language and literacy classes,** **teachers only explain a character's pronunciation, form, and meaning,** **without discussing the relationship between form and meaning."** This book is a comprehensive introduction to Chinese characters for all ages, featuring 300 essential characters. Paired with the author's calligraphy and illustrations, it unfolds a journey tracing the life of Chinese characters through the twists of brushstrokes and vivid imagery. Each page is a miniature archaeological dig into language. From oracle bone script, bronze inscriptions, and seal script to their modern forms, the author delves into the origins and meanings of characters based on their shapes, revealing the evolutionary path of Chinese writing. This leads readers to understand or re-understand Chinese characters, and subsequently, to grasp the unique life wisdom and emotional expressions of Chinese people within their confined forms. Full Title: The Origin of Every Character: 300 Essential Chinese Characters Author: He Daqi ISBN: 978-988-237-346-4 Binding: Hardcover Language: Traditional Chinese Pages: 356 Dimensions: 229 x 152 mm **Author Biography** **He Daqi** Born in Beijing in 1940, He Daqi graduated from the Chinese Language and Literature Department of Beijing Normal College in 1964. He is a distinguished teacher in Beijing, with achievements in painting, calligraphy, folklore, and paleography. He has received the 4th Hu Chunan Award for Excellent Teaching Achievements and the 5th Award for Outstanding Contribution to Chinese Traditional Culture Education. His recent publications include "Myriad Chinese Characters," "Mastering Calligraphy: From Technique to Art," "Beijing Past," "Beijing's Spring Festival," "Our Days: The Four Seasons of Old Beijing," and "Children of the Courtyard House."