Fascination of China
Classical poetry and prose
Classical Chinese poetry and prose
Chinese literature can look back on as long a history as Greek, Arabic and Sanskrit literature. The genre of poetry is best developed in classical literature. The oldest collection of Chinese poetry, the Book of Songs, contains 305 poems written between the 11th and 6th centuries BC. Were created. Poetry culminate in the Tang and Song dynasty. The poetry of Qu Yuan, Li Bai, Du Fu, Bai Juyi and Su Shi is one of the greatest achievements of this genre.
Chinese prose also has a long tradition. The earliest prose pieces are historical records from the 11th century BC. A large number of prose texts from various philosophical schools followed. During the Tang and Song dynasty, as well as Ming and Qing dynasty, a large number of excellent prose texts were written.
Novels, especially those whose authors are known, were written relatively late. The four best-known classical Chinese novels are The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the Journey to the West, Water Margin, and the Dream of the Red Chamber.