"This book introduces outstanding engraved editions from the collection of the National Library of China, including:
Northern Song Dynasty edition of Fan Wenzheng Gong Wenji (Collected Works of Fan Zhongyan)
Han-Liu Collections (Works of Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan)
Song Shu (Sichuan) engraved edition of Tang poets' collected works
Iron-Zither and Bronze-Sword Library's former Song edition of Sishu Zhangju Jizhu (Collected Commentaries on the Four Books) from Dangtu County's official studio
Zhou Bida's Song edition of Ouyang Wenzhong Gong Ji (Collected Works of Ouyang Xiu)
Song edition of Lunyu Jishuo (Collected Explanations on the Analects)
Yuan edition of Dongpo Yuefu (Su Shi's Lyrics)
Yuan edition of Kunxue Jiwen (Notes on Knowledge Hard-Earned)
Yuan editions of Meihua Baiyong (One Hundred Odes to Plum Blossoms) and Meihua Zizixiang (Plum Blossoms' Lingering Fragrance)
These engraved editions feature elegant calligraphic scripts and exquisite craftsmanship. The artistry of these ordinary craftsmen from the lower social strata displays distinctive styles, in no way inferior to those of master calligraphers. They hold unique value in the history of Chinese regular script (kaishu) calligraphy.
The book includes over a hundred high-quality illustrations of these engraved pages, which can also be appreciated as standalone calligraphic artworks.
本书是对中国国家图书馆馆藏的优秀刻本的介绍，包括北宋刻本《范文正公文集》、韩柳集、宋蜀刻本唐人集、铁琴铜剑楼旧藏宋当涂郡斋刻本《四书章句集注》，宋周必大刻本《欧阳文忠公集》、宋刻本《论语集说》，元刻本《东坡乐府》，元刻本《困学纪闻》，元刻本《梅花百咏》和《梅花字字香》。这些刻本字体优美，刻功精湛，这些来自下层普通工匠的书法艺术也各具特色，并不逊于书法大家。在中国楷书书法史上具有独特价值。书中一百多幅刻本插图，也可以作为书法作品欣赏。