Ouyang Xiu
Ouyang Xiu (1007–1072) was a Song dynasty statesman, historian, and writer whose classical prose helped revive literary styles modeled on antiquity.
Han Yu: A Tang dynasty writer whose advocacy of classical prose influenced later literary reformers. Ouyang Xiu revived the prose tradition Han Yu had championed centuries earlier.
Classical Chinese prose: Chinese prose modeled on the language, forms, and rhetorical practices of ancient texts. Ouyang Xiu’s literary program aimed to restore this prose tradition.
New History of the Tang: A history of the Tang dynasty compiled by Ouyang Xiu and Song Qi in the eleventh century. It is Ouyang Xiu’s most prominent contribution to dynastic historiography.
Tang-Song prose movement: A literary movement spanning Tang and Song writers who promoted classical prose over ornate parallel styles. Ouyang Xiu became the movement’s central Song-era advocate and organizer.
Su Shi: A Song dynasty writer, statesman, and calligrapher known for poetry, prose, and an expansive literary style. Ouyang Xiu recognized Su Shi’s talent and helped launch his public literary career.
Ancient prose movement: A literary movement that promoted direct, purposeful prose modeled on ancient Chinese writing. This broader movement connects Ouyang Xiu’s work to earlier Tang reformers.
Historical Records of the Five Dynasties: Ouyang Xiu’s history of the Five Dynasties period, written in a concise classical style. Its compact narrative demonstrates his distinctive method as a historian.
Eight Masters of Tang and Song: A group of eight celebrated prose writers from the Tang and Song dynasties, including Ouyang Xiu. Later literary tradition placed him among the movement’s defining masters.
Zeng Gong: A Song dynasty prose writer and historian associated with the classical prose movement. Ouyang Xiu supported Zeng Gong, one of the movement’s leading writers.
Song dynasty: A Chinese dynasty that ruled from 960 to 1279 and fostered major developments in government, scholarship, and arts. Its institutions shaped Ouyang Xiu’s political service and literary world.