quanshu

Quanshu is a term of Chinese origin that broadly translates to "complete book" or "comprehensive collection." In practice, it refers to a large compilation of texts, often gathered around a specific theme or subject. These collections can span a wide range of disciplines, including literature, history, philosophy, medicine, and science.

The compilation of quanshu has a long tradition in China, dating back to imperial times. Emperors and scholars would commission or undertake the monumental task of gathering and organizing vast amounts of written material. This was often done to preserve knowledge, provide resources for education and scholarship, and to demonstrate the breadth and depth of Chinese cultural heritage. Some famous examples include the Yongle Encyclopedia from the Ming Dynasty and the Siku Quanshu from the Qing Dynasty, both of which are massive literary projects.

The process of creating a quanshu typically involved extensive research, copying, editing, and organizing. The goal was to create a definitive and accessible repository of information. Modern scholarship often utilizes these historical quanshu as primary sources for understanding past intellectual and cultural trends. The concept of a quanshu, while rooted in historical practice, can also be applied to modern efforts to consolidate and present comprehensive information in various fields.