A Historical Study on the Movements to Compile Related Continuation of Complete Library in the Four Branches of Literature

Abstract

Firstly, the historical factors on compiling Complete Library in the Four Branches of Literature and the problematic points of this series are discussed. Then several movements to compile a new Complete Library in the Four Branches of Literature and the related works are traced from the late 19^<th> century to the late 20^<th> century. Consequently the following are revealed. 1) The movements described above are useful to supplement the defects of Complete Library in the Four Branches of Literature and to restore classics to their original state, and are necessary to protect classics and pass them down. 2) The movements are not based on purely cultural motive but deeply related to the political circumstances in China at the time.