Reminiscences from Long and Shu is a collection of historical notes by Wang Shizhen (1634-1711), a celebrated Qing poet and historian. It is one volume drawn from his writings scattered across various works. Rich and varied in content, the book mainly records the author's observations from Long, the area around present-day Gansu, and Shu, present-day Sichuan. It includes snippets about unofficial histories, local curiosities, unusual customs and landscapes, people, geography, and folkways. It is a local miscellany with both historical value and cultural appeal. Rather than following the format of orthodox histories, the work presents anecdotes, local tales, and personal observations in brief entries. These scattered yet vivid records are just what its title, Reminiscences, suggests.
The book describes strange people and unusual events, as well as historical sites, landscapes, folk beliefs, and customs. Its entries include accounts of monks with supernatural abilities, legends about local shrines, strange dreams, and even unusual floods, presenting a vivid picture of local society in the Qing era. Historically, these scattered observations often fill gaps in official histories and gazetteers, offering firsthand source material for the study of the natural environment, folk culture, and everyday life in the Long and Shu regions.
Wang Shizhen was an important Qing literary and historical figure, best known for his poetry and prose, but he also pursued historical and geographical research. His notebooks, including Reminiscences from Long and Shu, reflect both his broad knowledge and scholarly interests, as well as his keen eye for local culture and his meticulous powers of observation. For readers interested in Qing-era notebook literature, local gazetteer culture, or the history of the Long and Shu regions, Reminiscences from Long and Shu is a classic that is both rewarding to read and rich in historical value.
