Book Collections of a Chinese Teacher from Early 20th Century
Author: Yun Wang
Translator: Yingxian Wang
During the earlier part of the 20th century, Grandpa was a long-time teacher of Chinese in the Boy’s High School Affiliate to Beijing Normal University as well as Beijing Normal University. He was also a part-time teacher at the Girls High School Affiliated to Beijing Normal University, the top girls high school in Beijing and other accredited institutions. He taught Chinese, Chinese Phonetics, Chinese Phonology, and more. Grandpa was an extraordinary teacher. His students include Jingcheng Gao, Fuzeng Gao, Shuqing Shi, Cengzhong Xuu, Fushi Wang, Ruiling Deng, Niantai Sun, Nianzeng Sun, Yunzhong Lu, and Xiyan Li etc. They all later made outstanding achievements in the fields of Chinese Study, Literature, and History.
The scholars of this period had a habit of collecting books. Their book collections were not just for the sake of collection, but more for reading and research. Grandpa had a special room in the house dedicated to be his study. It occupied the best location of the family compound. He not only studied there, but often slept there, as if he was totally immersed in books. Grandpa was a not only a teacher, but he also needed to take care of his parents, raise his six children, and help out his younger siblings who were still students. No matter how difficult life was, he would allocate a quarter of his salary to buy books. In his book, Random Essays, the famous actor from Beijing People’s Art Theater, Shizhi Yuu recalls: “In middle school, I dreamed of becoming a scholar, and would focus my study on Chinese Phonology. Chinese Phonology is so deep and profound, how can children understand it? But teachers knew how to make it not only understandable, but interesting. This intrigued me. I would admire the teacher’s knowledge and everything about them. I still see in my head the study of my middle school teacher Wang Shankai. Books were stacked up on all four sides, in the same glass bookshelves. The shelves were very tall, starting from the floor, reaching the ceiling. Professor Wang taught me, “Prelude to the meaning of words” ( 说文解字序) in this study – ‘‘古者, 庖牺氏之王天下也’, ‘王’, a verb here, pronounced with the fourth tone (`). In this manner, he broke down the difficult sentences into components and talked about the origin of Chinese characters. He told me it was not very believable that CangJie single handedly invented words: How can one person create all of the words? Why couldn’t other people have created some too?
Teacher Wang’s study didn’t seem to be very brightly lit, but I still remember the arrangements well- even the posture and positions of the two of us sitting there while he was teaching. How fascinating: the study and the knowledgeable owner of the study!
Grandpa’s nephew Jingchun remembers: “Uncle loved the books as if they were his life. He asked Aunt to buy lots of dark blue hand-woven clothes. He would make book covers by himself. Then he carefully put those ancient books inside. Children were not allowed to touch them.”
The following are part of grandpa’s book collections. They would make any credible library envyious Hopefully they give a glimpse of grandpa’s academic pursuit.
(Figure: Part of Mr. Wang Shuda’s book list confiscated during the Cultural Revolution)
Shumu Dawen Buzheng (Supplement to Bibliography Q&A), Nanjing Guoxue Library printed edition, 2 volumes in 1 case, with detailed annotations (with personal dismissal seal)
Lüting Zhijian Chuanben Shumu (Lüting’s Bibliography of Known Extant Books), Shanghai lithocopy edition, 6 volumes in 1 case
Bu Houhan Yiweizhi (Supplement to the Treatise on Literature of the Later Han), Nanjing printed edition, 8 volumes
Bu Jinshu Yiweizhi (Supplement to the Treatise on Literature of the Book of Jin), Guangya Book Company woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Qingshigao Yiweizhi (Treatise on Literature of the Draft History of Qing), Beijing printed edition, 1 volume
Junzhai Dushuzhi (Junzhai Reading Notes), Sibu Congkan supplement edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Gugong Shanben Shumu (Catalogue of Rare Books in the Imperial Palace), Beijing printed edition, 1 volume
Gugong Putong Shumu (Catalogue of General Books in the Imperial Palace), Beijing printed edition, 1 volume
Chuxueji (Notes for Beginning Scholars), with collation notes, woodblock edition, 16 volumes in 2 cases
Youxue Qiuyuan (Seeking Origins for Young Scholars), woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Baojingtang Congshu (Baojingtang Collectanea), Zhili Book Bureau photolithograph edition, over 100 volumes in over 10 cases
Biexiazhai Congshu (Biexiazhai Collectanea), Hangzhou photolithograph edition, over 20 volumes in 2 cases
Chenfengge Congshu (Chenfeng Pavilion Collectanea), woodblock edition, over 10 volumes
Anhui Congshu Di San Qi (Anhui Collectanea, 3rd Series), photolithograph edition, 10 volumes in 1 case
Citong (Standard Dictionary of Classical Chinese Words), Kaiming Bookstore printed edition, 2 volumes
Shuowen Jiezi Gulin (Forest of Glosses on Shuowen Jiezi), Medical Bookstore photolithograph, Main Series 66 volumes, Supplement 16 volumes, total 10 cases
Shuowen Jiezi Zhu (Annotated Shuowen Jiezi), Chengdu Cungu Book Company woodblock edition, 16 volumes in 2 cases
Shuowen Jiezi, one seal script one running script woodblock edition, 10 volumes in 1 case, with Ma’s annotations
Shuowen Shili (Explanation of Examples in Shuowen), Wang’s seal carving edition, 10 volumes
Shuowen Tongjian (General Index to Shuowen), Guangzhou woodblock edition, 2 volumes in 1 case, with annotations
Shuowen Jiezi Zhuan Yunpu (Seal Script Rhyme Table of Shuowen Jiezi), woodblock edition, 1 case, with collation notes
Shuowen Tongshi Zixu Zhu (Annotated Self-Preface to Shuowen Tongshi), woodblock edition, 1 case, 1 clamp board
Chongji Cangjie Pian (Recompiled Cangjie Pian), printed edition, 2 volumes
Zilin Kaoyi (Study of Lost Text of Zilin), Zhang’s woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Xiaoxue Goushen (Exploration of Philology), Long’s woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case, with annotations
Xiao’erya Shu (Commentary on Little Erya), Hangzhou Bureau woodblock edition, 2 volumes
Guangya Shuzheng (Annotated Evidence for Guangya), Wang’s family woodblock edition, 10 volumes in 1 case
Piya, woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Erya Yi, woodblock edition, 6 volumes in 1 case
Tongya, Fushan Cicangxuan woodblock edition, 10 volumes in 1 case
Shiya Zhu (Annotated Shiya), woodblock edition, 10 volumes in 1 case
Biya, Beijiang Complete Works edition, 2 volumes
Liqi Shiming (Explanation of Names of Ritual Vessels), woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Fangyan Zhuxiao (Annotated and Collated Fangyan), Hunan Bureau woodblock edition, 2 volumes
Fangyan Shuzheng (Annotated Evidence for Fangyan), Weiboxie woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Fangyan Jianshu (Commentary and Annotation on Fangyan), Guangya Book Company woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Tongs Bian (Compilation of Common Sayings), Wubuyizhai woodblock edition, 12 volumes in 1 case
Yueyan (Proverbs of Yue), woodblock edition, 3 volumes
Wamyō Ruijushō (Japanese Encyclopedia), woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Shiyun Huibian (Compilation of Ten Rhymes), Peking University photolithograph, 3 large volumes
Guangyun, Zecuntang woodblock edition, 2 volumes in 1 case, with collation notes
Guangyun, Gu’s woodblock edition of Ming dynasty text, 5 volumes
Jiyun, Bu Cao woodblock edition, 10 volumes, with Ma’s annotations
Hongwu Zhengyun (Hongwu Correct Rhymes), Ming woodblock edition, 5 volumes in 1 case
Yinyun Shuhui (Explanation of Phonology), Siku Zhenben Congkan edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Jiyun Kaozheng (Textual Research on Jiyun), Yongjia Congshu edition, 10 volumes in 1 case
Han Wei Liuchao Yunpu (Rhyme Tables of Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties), printed edition, 6 volumes in 1 case
Xiru Ermuzi (Aid to the Ear and Eye of Western Scholars), Peking University photolithograph edition, 3 volumes in 1 case
Jiaguwen Bian (Compilation of Oracle Bone Script), manuscript printed edition, 7 volumes in 1 case
Guzhou Huibian (Compilation of Ancient Seal Script), photolithograph edition, 14 volumes in 1 case
Lipian (Official Script Compilation), woodblock edition, 14 volumes in 1 case
Kaifa Suyuan (Tracing the Origin of Standard Script), woodblock edition, 16 volumes in 1 case
Yupian Lingjuan (Fragmentary Volumes of Yupian), Guyi Congshu edition, 3 volumes
Yupian, Yucuntang woodblock edition, 3 volumes
Meipian, Cao’s woodblock edition, 10 volumes in 1 clamp board
Longkan Shoujian (Handy Mirror of Longkan), Peking University photolithograph edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Hanjian Jianzheng (Commentary and Correction on Hanjian), Guangya Bureau woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Hanyin Fenyun (Han Seals Classified by Rhyme), original woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Zhouyi Yaoshi Xue (Yao’s Study of Book of Changes), Wuchang Bureau woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Shangshu Jinguwen Zhushu (Commentary on New and Old Text Shangshu), Suzhou Bureau woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Shangshu Jinwen Kaozheng (Textual Research on New Text Shangshu), Changsha Bureau woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Maoshi Zhuanshu (Commentary on Mao’s Odes), Suzhou Bureau woodblock edition, 10 volumes in 1 case
Shi Sanjiayi Jishu (Collected Commentaries on Three Schools of Poetry), Changsha Bureau woodblock edition, 8 volumes
Lijing Shili (Explanation of Ritual Classics Examples), Wenxuanlou woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Yili Sijian (Private Commentary on Etiquette and Ceremonial), Guizhou woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Liji Xunzhuan (Exegesis on Book of Rites), woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Liji Jian (Commentary on Book of Rites), Hao’s woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Lunyu Zhengyi (Correct Meaning of Analects), Nanjing Bureau woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Erya Zhengyi (Correct Meaning of Erya), woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Erya Kuangming, Guangya Bureau woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Shisanjing Suoyin (Index to Thirteen Classics), Kaiming Bookstore printed edition, 1 volume
Shisanjing Jingwen (Text of Thirteen Classics), Kaiming Bookstore printed edition, 1 volume
Mozi Wengu (Inquiry into Mozi), woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 clamp board
Hanfeizi Jijie (Collected Explanations on Hanfeizi), Changsha Bureau woodblock edition, 6 volumes
Huainan Honglie Jijie (Collected Explanations on Huainanzi), Commercial Press printed edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Huainan Jizheng (Collected Evidence on Huainanzi), Zhonghua Book Company printed edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Fayan Shuzheng (Annotated Evidence on Fayan), printed edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Qianfulun Jian (Commentary on Qianfulun), woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Shishuobu (Supplement to Shishuo Xinyu), woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Mengxi Bitan (Dream Pool Essays), Sibu Congkan supplement edition, 4 volumes
Rizhilu Jishi (Collected Explanations on Rizhilu), Sibu Beiyao edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Guangyang Zaji (Guangyang Miscellaneous Notes), Jifu Congshu edition, 4 volumes
Shijiazhai Yangxinlu, woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Yueshu Dushuji (Yue Studio Reading Notes), Guangzhou woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian), Jinling Book Bureau woodblock edition, 20 volumes in 4 cases
Shiji Tanyuan (Exploration of Origins in Shiji), woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Hanshu Buzhu (Supplementary Commentary on Book of Han), Sixian Book Bureau woodblock edition, 32 volumes in 4 cases, with added annotations
Shiqishi Shangque (Discussion on Seventeen Histories), original woodblock edition, 16 volumes in 2 cases, with collation notes
Guoyu Jiaozhuben Sanzhong (Three Collated and Annotated Editions of Guoyu), Wang’s woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Guoyu Jijie (Collected Explanations on Guoyu), Zhonghua Book Company printed edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Zhanguoce Jiaozhu (Collated and Annotated Strategies of the Warring States), Sibu Congkan edition, 8 volumes
Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance), Color printed Hu’s woodblock edition, 32 volumes
Tongjian Jishi Benmo (Differentiated Narratives of Zizhi Tongjian), printed edition, 32 volumes
Shuijingzhu Hexiao (Combined Collation of Commentary on Water Classic), Sixian Book Bureau woodblock edition, 16 volumes in 2 cases, with Yao Darong’s annotations
Shuidao Tigang (Outline of Waterways), woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Datang Xiyuji (Great Tang Records on the Western Regions), China authored woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Kuodizhi (Comprehensive Gazetteer), woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Tongzhou Zhi (Gazetteer of Tongzhou), Guangxu era woodblock edition, 16 volumes in 2 cases
Yuzhou Zhi (Gazetteer of Yuzhou), Guangxu era woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Lidai Dilizhi Yunbian (Rhyme Compilation of Historical Geography Treatises), printed edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Yuanhe Xingzuan (Yuanhe Surname Compilation), Hongmin woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Shixing Yunbian (Rhyme Compilation of Historical Surnames), printed edition, 16 volumes in 2 cases
Lidai Mingren Nianpu (Chronological Biographies of Historical Figures), woodblock edition, 10 volumes in 1 case, with collation notes
Qianyantang Jinshimu await (Qianyantang Catalogue of Bronze and Stone), woodblock edition, 1 volume in 1 clamp board, with collation notes
Kezhai Jigulu (Kezhai Collection of Antiquities), Commercial Press photolithograph edition, 26 volumes in 1 case
Kezhai Jigulu Shiwen Shenggao (Deciphered Text Draft of Kezhai Collection), Commercial Press photolithograph edition, 2 volumes
Fengni Kaolue (Brief Study of Sealing Clay), photolithograph edition, 10 volumes in 1 clamp board
Tieyun Canggui (Tieyun’s Turtle Shell Collection), photolithograph edition, 10 volumes in 1 clamp board
Chuci Zhangju (Verses of Chu), Hubei Congshu edition, 4 volumes in 1 case, with collation notes
Chuci Buzhu (Supplementary Commentary on Chuci), woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case, with collation notes
Liuchen Jing Wenxuan (Six Subjects Wenxuan), Sibu Congkan edition, 30 volumes in 1 case
Wenxuan Jishi (Collected Explanations on Wenxuan), Zhu’s woodblock edition, 12 volumes
Wenxuan Lixue Quanyu Bu, woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Wenxuan Li Zhu Yishu (Li’s Commentary and Subcommentary on Wenxuan), Gao’s printed edition, 8 volumes
Pianti Wenchao (Anthology of Parallel Prose), Kang’s woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Qishijia Fuchao (Anthology of Fu from Seventy Masters), Kang’s woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Guwenci Leiyao Jian (Annotated Classified Essentials of Ancient Prose), lithocopy edition, 12 volumes in 1 case
Quan Shanggu Sandai Qin Han Sanguo Liuchao Wen (Complete Prose of Antiquity, Three Dynasties, Qin, Han, Three Kingdoms, Six Dynasties), woodblock edition, 100 volumes in 10 cases
Yuefu Shiji (Anthology of Yuefu Poetry), Sibu Congkan edition, 16 volumes
Caoji Quanping (Complete Commentary on Cao’s Collection), woodblock edition, 2 volumes
Geng Zishan Jizhu (Annotated Collection of Geng Zishan), woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Dushi Xiangzhu (Detailed Commentary on Du Fu’s Poetry), photolithograph of original edition, 32 volumes in 4 cases
Du Du Xinjie (New Understanding of Reading Du Fu), woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Fenlei Buzhu Li Taibai Shiji (Classified and Supplemented Commentary on Li Bai’s Poetry Collection), Sibu Congkan edition, 10 volumes
Wang Youcheng Jizhu (Annotated Collection of Wang Youcheng), woodblock edition, 14 volumes in 1 case
Han Changli Ji (Collection of Han Changli), Bureau woodblock Dongyatang edition, 16 volumes in 2 cases
Liu Hedong Ji (Collection of Liu Hedong), photolithograph of Shicaitang edition, 16 volumes in 2 cases
Li Yi Shijizhu (Annotated Poetry Collection of Li Yi), Guangdong woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Wang Jinggong Wenji Jianzhu (Annotated Prose Collection of Wang Jinggong), woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Wang Jinggong Shiji Buzhu (Supplemented Commentary on Wang Jinggong’s Poetry), woodblock edition, 2 volumes
Yuanfeng Leigao (Classified Drafts of Yuanfeng), Sibu Congkan edition, 10 volumes
Weinau Wenji (Weinan Prose Collection), Sibu Congkan edition, 12 volumes
Huang Shangu Neiji Waiji Tiji (Huang Shangu’s Inner, Outer, and Selected Collections), Chen’s imitation Song edition, 8 volumes
Nanlei Wen’an (Nanlei Prose Cases), Sibu Congkan edition, 8 volumes
Tinglin Shiji Wenji Yuji (Tinglin’s Poetry, Prose, and Remaining Collections), Sibu Congkan edition, 5 volumes
Shuanghongkan Ji (Shuanghongkan Collection), woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Dai Dongyuan Ji (Collection of Dai Dongyuan), Sibu Congkan edition, 4 volumes
Gong Ding’an Wenji Shiji Bubian (Gong Ding’an’s Prose and Poetry Supplement), Sibu Congkan edition, 4 volumes
Liangdangxuan Shiji (Liangdangxuan Poetry Collection), woodblock edition, 4 volumes
Ji Ping Wenxin Diaolong (Ji’s Commentary on Wenxin Diaolong), woodblock red and blank ink edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Sida Conghua (Four Great Miscellanies), woodblock edition, 8 volumes in 1 case
Juemiao Haoci Jian (Annotated Excellent Lyrics), woodblock edition, 4 volumes in 1 case
Zhongxing Yilai Qixuan (Selections since the Restoration), 4 volumes in 1 case
Cilu (Rules of Ci Poetry), original woodblock edition, 16 volumes in 1 case
Remarks: The above listing comes from grandpa Shuda (Shankai) Wang’s “Highlights of Bibliography from Confiscated Books (During the Culture Revolution)”