Compiling Methods Of Chinese Ancient Encyclopedias

In ancient China, encyclopedia is a kind of reference book. During the compilation, the order of the original chapters is disrupted, and then re-arranged according to the new method of classification. Due to the tradition of narration without creation, compilers of encyclopedias seldom express their own ideas and views. Therefore, encyclopedia books are merely compiling works, rather than academic books with strong views. They reflect the human cognition of the world, and preserve plenty of chapters as well as historical materials, providing users with convenient access.This article surveys the process of the encyclopedia's compilation, including the overviews, background, causes, compilers, style, classification theory and other aspects. On this basis, this article summarizes the compiling history and innovation of several Chinese famous ancient encyclopedias. Its goal is to interpret the mutual relationship between the encyclopedias'compilation and the factors of economy, politics, and culture. As time goes by, owing to the accumulation of knowledge and expanded scale of encyclopedias, innovation of compilation style becomes more and more difficult.This article evolves in nine phases. In the beginning, it focuses on the issue of the property and the classifying pattern of encyclopedia books. The second and third parts introduce innovative styles of the compilation in Wei and Jin dynasty. Huanglan, for example, initiates to compile documents according to categories. Besides, its compiling process follow the steps of imperatorial command for compilation, compiling scope, data collection, documents categorization, cooperated writing, submitted to emperor, accepted rewards and so on. All of these are valuable references and models for later compilers. In the book of Xiuwendianyulan, the complex procedure and considerable staff left behind a good example to all posterity. The fourth and fifth parts discuss the compiling improvement in the Sui and Tang dynasty. In the book of Beitangshuchao, for instance, the model of using titles for materials labeling and sorting brought new ideas for encyclopedias'compilation. The book of Yiwenleiju inaugurated a new style of "Things-Text", affecting thousands of years. The sixth and seventh parts examine the breakthrough of compiling means in the Song dynasty's encyclopedias. The compilation of Taipingyulan has a close connection with the political environment in which it was compiled. Moreover, thousand volumes of this masterpiece is the beginning of large-scale compilation of encyclopedias. Good proposals and behaviors between the monarch and his subjects are recorded in the book of Cefuyuangui, which serves as an outstanding paradigm for offspring. In addition, the use of the overall prefaces and minor prefaces makes the compilers" view clear to readers. The eighth part illuminates the evolution of encyclopedias' compilation in the Ming Dynasty. For example, the length of the Yongledadian and its group numbers for compiling has reached its zenith. Although it hardly achieves a breakthrough in writing styles, this book collects abundant historical materials. This move benefits all posterity. The last part discusses the reform of compilation applied in the Qing dynasty. There are no powerful dictators and academic authorities existed in the compiling group members of the book of Gujintushujicheng, which is extremely rare in ancient China. Its perfect structure, rational classification and the usage of three-level category has achieved the peak of encyclopedias' compilation in ancient China.The innovative of encyclopedia's compilation is getting more and more difficult,until the breakthrough has only to increase in size.With the mature of modern new classification,the golden age of encyclopedia is final over...