Based on first-hand historical materials, this book explores the various aspects of literary communication during the Song Dynasty in China.

The book investigates the single-channel dissemination of poetry and ci works, the dissemination of literary collections, the dissemination through wall inscriptions, the oral dissemination of Song ci, the remuneration and commercialization of literature in the Song Dynasty, the paths to fame for Song writers, the non-literary factors in the dissemination of literature and the dissemination of literary works through paintings and songs. The author provides insights into the six major questions in the study of literary communication: Who disseminates, where, how, what, to whom and the effects of dissemination. The author also seeks to provide detailed answers to the following questions. What was the role of female singers in both domestic and official entertainment? What were the costs and prices of the books? Who paid the authors? What methods did writers use to gain fame and social recognition?

This work will be essential reading for scholars and students of Chinese studies, communication studies and media and cultural studies.

Wang Zhaopeng is the president of China Society of Literature of the Song Dynasty. He is Chair Professor of Humanities at Sichuan University, China, and Professor of the School of Literature and Journalism at South-Central Minzu University, China. His works in Chinese include Historical Materials of ci Studies.

Zhu Wei is an associate professor in the School of Foreign Languages, South-Central Minzu University, and currently a Ph. D. candidate of School of Foreign Languages and Cultures, Chongqing University, China. Her research interest include translation studies and modern translation technology.

Li Minjie is a professor in the School of Foreign Languages, South-Central Minzu University, China. His research interest includes literary translation and comparative literature.