author
Yiqing Liu
403–444
A fifth-century prince of the Liu Song dynasty, he is best known for compiling a lively classic of Chinese anecdotal literature. His work preserves sharp, memorable stories about scholars, artists, and public figures from earlier centuries.
2 Audiobooks
About the author
Born in 403 and active during the Liu Song dynasty, Yiqing Liu is remembered as a Chinese writer, editor, and imperial prince. He is most closely associated with A New Account of the Tales of the World (Shishuo Xinyu), a collection of brief anecdotes and character sketches that became one of the best-known works of early medieval Chinese literature.
Rather than being known for a large body of personal writings, he stands out for shaping and preserving stories about notable figures of the Han and Wei-Jin periods. Readers have long valued the book for its concise style, vivid portraits of personalities, and glimpses into elite conversation, reputation, and culture.
Because surviving online sources consulted here focused mainly on his literary importance and basic historical identity, this overview keeps to those well-attested details.