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Dream of the Red Chamber in 120 Chapters

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Dream of the Red Chamber in 120 Chapters
Xin jian quan bu xiu xiang Hong lou meng (Newly printed complete illustrated edition of the Dream of the red chamber) is also known as the Cheng-A edition. It is the first printed edition of the classic novel written by Cao Xueqin (circa 1715−63), one of China’s greatest novelists. Included here are the preface and comments by Zhang Ruzhi at the tops of the pages, the table of contents, and three chapters. The book was in the collection of Zheng Zhenduo (1898–1958) before entering the collections of the National Library of China. When Cao died, only 80 chapters of this book of 120 chapters existed. Scholars specialized in studying this work have grouped its various editions into two main versions: the Zhiyanzhai (Rouge Ink Stone Studio) version and the Cheng−Gao version. The Rouge edition, which originated from the handwritten text in 80 chapters by Cao Xueqin, retained the original form of the novel. The Cheng−Gao edition, called the Cheng-A version, dating back to the 56th year (1791) of the Qianlong reign of the Qing, was assembled by Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E and printed with wooden movable type in 120 chapters. The later version was reprinted many times and was the most widely circulated. Cheng Weiyuan and Gao E also published another edition, which is called the Cheng-B version.

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