The book Twenty Chapters on the History of Chinese Editing and Publishing, authored by Professor Liu Yunfeng of the School of Journalism and Communication, has recently been published by Tianjin People's Publishing House.
The book is a revised version of the lecture notes developed over many years for the undergraduate and graduate courses History of Chinese Editing and Publishing and Thematic Studies on the History of Chinese Editing and Publishing. It represents the culmination of the textbook development project of NKU. Drawing on years of teaching experience and academic research, Professor Liu distills the complexities of editing and publishing history, adopting a thematic approach to explore key milestones and significant achievements from ancient to modern times.
In addition to the introduction, the book comprises 20 thematic chapters organized along the line of historical development, highlighting the study and presentation of key figures, major classics, and publications in the field. Notable figures covered include Confucius, Liu Xiang and his son Liu Xin, Sima Qian, Du You, Sima Guang, Zheng Qiao, Ma Duanlin, Xie Jin, and Zhang Yuanji. Major classics and publications include Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Selections of Refined Literature (Wenxuan), Encyclopedia of Literary Collections (Yiwen Leiju),Comprehensive Institutions (Tongdian), Comprehensive Mirror to Aid in Government (Zizhi Tongjian), Comprehensive Records (Tongzhi), Comprehensive Textual Research of Historical Documents (Wenxian Tongkao), Yongle Encyclopedia (Yongle Dadian), Collection of Letter Paper Samples by Luoxuan (Luoxuan Biangu Jianpu), Shizhuzhai Studio's Stationery Manual (Shizhuzhai Jianpu), Complete Library of the Four Treasuries (Siku Quanshu), Complete Works of Lu Xun, and Collected Works of Sun Li.
The book not only organizes historical facts but also distills and refines the principles underlying editing and publishing. It preserves the wisdom of ancient editorial and publishing practices while offering valuable insights for contemporary practice. Through the study of the history of Chinese editing and publishing, the author seeks to elucidate the significant role of editing and publishing in cultural heritage, knowledge dissemination, and social progress. This provides solid theoretical foundation and practical reference for disciplinary development as well as editing and publishing practice. With rich content and clear structure, the book serves not only as a textbook for teachers and students of publishing studies but also as a source of new perspectives and deeper reflection for a broader readership interested in Chinese cultural history.
Professor Liu is currently a professor and Ph.D. supervisor of the School of Journalism and Communication, NKU, and serves as the Director of the Modern Publishing Research Center. He is a member of the National Expert Working Group for the Publishing Discipline Joint Construction, Vice Chairman of the Editing and Publishing Committee of the Chinese Association for History of Journalism and Communication, Executive Director of the Lu Xun Research Association of China, and a member of the China Calligraphers Association. His research interests mainly focus on the theory and practice of editing and publishing, modern Chinese literature and studies on Lu Xun, and Chinese calligraphy. Notable works he has authored and edited include Additions to the Complete Works of Lu Xun, Study of Lu Xun’s Writings, Theses on Chinese Modern Literature and Communication, Twenty Chapters on the History of Chinese Editing and Publishing, Book Collections: Inspired by Lu Xun, Treasures of Chinese Calligraphy, Complete Illustrated Catalogue of Lu Xun’s Edited Prints, Catalogue of Lu Xun’s Book Covers, Chronology of Sun Li, and Treasures of Scholars’ Stationery: Letter Paper.
