A Record of Entering Shu

《Entering Shu Journal》is a travel diary written by Lu You, a renowned literary figure of the Southern Song Dynasty, during his journey to Sichuan. Consisting of six volumes, it is hailed as a pioneering work among long-form travelogues in ancient China.
As one of Lu You's most documentary and literary works, it not only records the author's journey across the Yangtze River and through the Three Gorges but also presents a vivid picture of the natural scenery, cultural landscape, and social customs of the time.
Like a textual travel documentary, its depiction of mountains, rivers, cities, folk customs, and historical evolution showcases the natural geography, local conditions, transportation, and cultural atmosphere of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River during the Song Dynasty, making it a detailed "spatiotemporal map."
Through《Entering Shu Journal》, we also get a glimpse into the prosperity of Song Dynasty society and Lu You's personal aspirations, especially his meticulous observation of natural landscapes and profound reflections on historical culture. The entire book interweaves narration with commentary, discussing both ancient and contemporary issues, integrating poetry, prose, epigraphy, local customs, and history, demonstrating Lu You's unique literary charm and spirit as a traveler. Whether it is the description of the Yangtze River waterway, the investigation of various historical sites, or the detailed textual research on geography and humanities, it provides valuable cultural materials for future generations.
Professor Qian Xisheng of Soochow University has annotated the names, places, local customs, and other elements appearing in《Entering Shu Journal》, citing classics and providing excellent annotations.
This book is printed in four colors and includes over 30 illustrations, sourced from Ming Dynasty Zhang Gu's《Water Route Atlas》, Qing Dynasty Zhang Bao's《Boating Pictures》, Qing Dynasty Xiao Congyun's《Taiping Landscape Paintings》, and《Wanli Yangtze River Map》 and other atlases and ancient books. These illustrations have been restored and colorized (some were originally black and white), perfectly complementing the place names and scenic spots mentioned in the original text, like two halves of a tally. This helps readers better understand Lu You's travel trajectory and the mountains and rivers he witnessed.
Readers can follow Lu You's words and the pictorial脉络 to complete a "virtual journey" along the ancient Yangtze River.
This book is not only an important document for studying Song Dynasty history and culture but also a classic of ancient travel literature, worthy of careful appreciation by every reader who loves history, literature, and culture.

2024-10-01

陕西师范大学出版社

Poplar Culture

344

9787569546064