Against the backdrop of cultural exchange between China’s Central Plains and Western Regions during the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties, this book systematically examines the uneven-line lyrics of this significant era.

It thoroughly explores the musical-literary genres of the time, such as entertainment music, tune lyrics, big suite lyrics, attached lyrics, zither songs, unaccompanied songs, telling-and-singing performances, and lyrics written in uneven lines. The author demonstrates that the ci lyric, which flourished during the Song dynasty, was actually a literary product of tunes from Sui-Tang entertainment music. Thus, the book resolves the long-standing debate about the origins of the ci lyric, the signature literary form of the Song dynasty. A key feature of this work is its dual approach of exploring music through literature and literature through music. By examining uneven-line lyrics, the book illuminates aesthetic and intellectual trends of the time, establishing a systematic understanding of musical literature and culture of the Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties.

This book is an invaluable resource for scholars and students of Chinese literature, music, and sinology, particularly those interested in the relationship between music and literature in premodern Chinese traditions.