"This Handbook presents a comprehensive overview of 3,000 years of Chinese literature from its earliest beginnings to the end of the Qing (1644-1911), the last empire of China. With a focus on well-known authors and masterpieces in each important genre, this volume covers verses, prose, drama, and fiction arranged in the following thematic groupings: - Pre-Qin and Han Poetry, Poetry of the Six Dynasties, Poetry of the Tang, Poetry of the Song, and Lyrics of the Song - Prose of Historians, Philosophers, and Literati - Tragedy and Romance in Yuan Drama, Southern Plays of Ethics, and Chuanqi Plays of the Ming and the Qing - Classical-language Tales, Vernacular Short Stories, Heroic Romances, Novels of Spirits and Devils, Novels of Manners and Satire, and Novels of Social Exposure and Prostitution Featuring both an introduction and in-depth analysis, this Handbook incorporates the most recent scholarly works for each entry and also facilitates future research by providing further readings. Authored by a stellar line-up of experts in the field of Chinese literature, this is an essential reference guide for all students and scholars in the fields of Chinese literature and culture"--