Cheng Qianfan's Development of Zhang Xuecheng's Academic Thought and Its Exemplary Significance
Cheng Qianfan(1913-2000)claimed to have admired the theories of Zhang Xuecheng(1738-1801)throughout his life.He continued and developed Zhang Xuecheng's"Jiaochou Tongyi"(General Introduction to the Study of Bibliography)to create"Jiaochou Guangyi"pushing the study of bibliography to a new height.He also included five articles from"Wenshi Tongyi"(General Introduction to Literature and Historiography)written by Zhang Xuecheng in his literary the oreticalbook"Wenlun Shijian"(An Anthology of Literary Criticism).In terms of the depth and emphasis of his exposition,Cheng Qianfan is undoubtedly the most outstanding contributor to elucidate Zhang Xuecheng's literary theory.Cheng Qianfan not only had a deep understanding of Zhang Xuecheng's idea of"independent academic thinking"but also inherited and promoted this academic spirit and methodology,successfully applying it to his own academic research.Taking this as a starting point and combining Chinese and Western literary theories,textual research and criticism,Cheng Qianfan established a literary research method that perfectly integrated philology with the study of art and literature.The academic journey of Cheng Qianfan,a master of classical literature,serves as a typical case that fully demonstrates the profound influence of Zhang Xuecheng's academic achievements on modern Chinese classical literature academics.Mr.Cheng has set an example for the academic community in inheriting,promoting,and innovating the academic spirit of predecessors.
Cheng QianfanZhang Xuechengthe study of bibliographyancient literary theoryindependent academic thinking