This Handbook presents a comprehensive overview of 3,000 years of Chinese literature from its earliest beginnings to the end of the Qing (1644-1911), the last empire of China.

With a focus on well-known authors and masterpieces in each important genre, this volume covers verses, prose, drama, and fiction arranged in the following thematic groupings:



Pre-Qin and Han Poetry, Poetry of the Six Dynasties, Poetry of the Tang, Poetry of the Song, and Lyrics of the Song
Prose of Historians, Philosophers, and Literati
Tragedy and Romance in Yuan Drama, Southern Plays of Ethics, and Chuanqi Plays of the Ming and the Qing
Classical-language Tales, Vernacular Short Stories, Heroic Romances, Novels of Spirits and Devils, Novels of Manners and Satire, and Novels of Social Exposure and Prostitution

Featuring both an introduction and in-depth analysis, this Handbook incorporates the most recent scholarly works for each entry and also facilitates future research by providing further readings.

Authored by a stellar line-up of experts in the field of Chinese literature, this is an essential reference guide for all students and scholars in the fields of Chinese literature and culture.