This two-volume set studies the development of Chinese phonology, reviewing its historical evolution and unraveling the underlying rules of sound change.

Based on abundant phonological materials, the author divides the history of Chinese phonology into nine historical periods, which helps illuminate its evolutions and principles. The first volume introduces the basic concepts of the discipline and charts the history of Chinese phonology from the Pre-Qin period (before 206 BCE) to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The second volume continues to deal with the phonological elements of Chinese language from the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) to modern times (since 1911) and examines the four major approaches and the reason of the sound changes of Chinese language spoken in different periods of time.

This set will be of great value for scholars and students studying Chinese phonology, Chinese linguistics, and readers interested in the essence of rhyming behind Chinese classic lyrics, poetry, drama, and other forms of verse.