[Korean study series 20]

This work is a historical survey of Korean literary tradition during the period of Chinese influence, i.e., from the beginning through the nineteenth century. It covers materials written by Koreans in Classical Chinese (which account for the major part of Korean literary activity during this period,) as well as compositions in the Korean language. It has been entitled Soaring Phoenixes and Prancing Dragons after a Sino-Korean expression, kibongtnggyo 起鳳騰蛟 기봉등교, used in praise of literary titans. It is the story of the long and rich heritage of a talented and proud people. By reviewing nearly two thousand years of Korean literary history, this book identifies nine major characteristics of traditional Korean culture and society.

한국 고전문학의 역사적 개관을 담은 이 책은 중국 영향기 즉 고전문학의 태동부터 19세기까지 한국인이 한자와 한글로 쓴 저작들을 다룬다. 제목은 대문호를 찬양할 때 쓰는 기봉등교(起鳳謄蛟)란 말에서 땄다. 이 책은 재능 있고 자부심 강한 민족의 풍부하고 오랜 유산에 대한 이야기다. 한국문학사 근 2천 년을 살펴보며 저자는 한국 전통 문화와 사회의 아홉 가지 주요 특징을 제시한다.

Chapter Ⅰ I Introduction
A. Korean Interest in National Literature
B. Geographical and Historical Background
C. Korean Language, scripts, and Literary Forms

Chapter Ⅱ The Three Kingdoms Period and Unified Silla (From the Beginning to 918 A.D.)
A. Hanmun, or Literature in Chinese
B. Vernacular Poetry

Chapter Ⅲ The Kory Period (918-1392)
A. Hanmun, or Literature in Chinese
B. Vernacular Literature

Chapter Ⅳ Early Chos n Dynasty (1392-1494)
A. Hanmun, or Literature in Chinese
B. Vernacular Literature

Chapter Ⅴ Internal Disorganization and Japanese Invasion 1494-1608
A. Hanmun, or Literature in Chinese
B. Vernacular Literature

Chapter Ⅵ Economic Exhaustion and Literary Ferment (1609-1724)
A. Hanmun, or Literature in Chinese
B. Vernacular Literature

Chapter Ⅶ Late Chos n Dynasty (1742-1896) : Intellectual Revival, Popularization and Decay
A. Hanmun, or Literature in Chinese
B. Vernacular Literature

Chapter Ⅷ Conclusion : Characteristics of Korean Classical Literature
A. A Literature of Escape
B. A Literature of Protest
C. A Literature of the Supernatural
D. A Literature of Didacticism
E. A Literature of Femininity and Passivity
F. A Literature of Poetry and Music
G. A Literature of Melancholy and Pessimism
H. A Literature of Anguish
I. A Literature of Ethnic Consciousness and Nationalism