Literary Forms · LT500

Classical Prose

Authoritative classical prose from Pre-Qin philosophers to Tang-Song prose masters.

158works

8sub-forms

11dynasties

Sub-forms

LT501Pre-Qin MastersFoundational philosophical treatises from the Hundred Schools of Thought.30 works · Zhou—Ming
  • Zhuangzi: Free and Easy Wandering
  • Zhuangzi: Autumn Floods
  • Zhuangzi: Cook Ding Carves the Ox
LT502Historical NarrativeChronicles and biographical narratives blending factual depth with literary genius.29 works · Zhou—Qing
  • Zuo Zhuan: Cao Gui on Warfare
  • Zuo Zhuan: Zhu Zhiwu Persuades Qin to Withdraw
  • Zuo Zhuan: Earl of Zheng Overcomes Duan at Yan
LT503Essays & MemorialsArgumentative essays, imperial petitions, and socio-political treatises.32 works · Zhou—Qing
  • First Memorial on the Expedition
  • Manifesto on Behalf of Xu Jingye Denouncing Wu Zhao
  • On Teachers
LT504Travel WritingReflective travelogues capturing natural geography, temples, and peaks.15 works · Jin—Qing
  • Memorial on Yueyang Tower
  • The Peach Blossom Spring
  • Record of the Small Stone Pool
LT505Letters & PrefacesPersonal correspondence, anthology prefaces, and colophons.33 works · Han—Qing
  • Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Gathering
  • Letter Breaking Ties with Shan Juyuan
  • Letter in Reply to Ren An
LT506Informal EssaysIntimate, witty vignettes capturing the charm of daily aesthetics and memory.7 works · Ming—Qing
  • Record of the Xiangji Studio
  • Discourse on the Summer Insect
  • Watching Snow at the Mid-Lake Pavilion
LT507Epitaphs & ElegiesFunerary epitaphs, elegiac odes, and memorial prose honoring departed souls.6 works · Tang—Qing
  • Inscription for My Humble Cottage
  • Memorial Text for the Twelfth Nephew
  • Epitaph for a Dead Traveler
LT508NotebooksScholarly miscellanies recording scientific discoveries, anecdotes, and arts.6 works · Tang—Qing
  • Miscellaneous Discourses IV: On Horses
  • Account of the Snake Catcher
  • Biography of Camel Guo the Tree Planter

Sub-forms by dynasty

Where each sub-form's works fall across the fifteen dynasties; click an ink dot to open that sub-form at that dynasty.

Classical Prose · Sub-forms by dynasty
XiaShangZhouQinHanThree KingdomsJinNorthern and SouthernSuiTangTen KingdomsSongYuanMingQing
Pre-Qin Masters30
Historical Narrative29
Essays & Memorials32
Travel Writing15
Letters & Prefaces33
Informal Essays7
Epitaphs & Elegies6
Notebooks6
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