John Minford and Joseph S. M. Lau have selected writings ranging from the earliest examples of Chinese writing, the Oracle Bone inscriptions, to the poems and lyrics of the Tang and Five Dynasties periods. Chronologically arranged by genre, each section is introduced with quotes by preeminent observers of China across the ages -- from Francis Bacon to Bernhard Karlgren, from Liu Xie to Lu Xun.
Encompassing poetry, drama, fiction, songs, biographies, and works of early Chinese philosophy and history, Classical Chinese Literature is a treasury of the finest gems from one of the richest traditions of world literature.