Life is finite, parting is destiny. To convert sorrow into words, they become funeral orations, memorial couplets or epitaphs. Sincere writings are moving, when complemented by a short biography and eulogies, they are known as Memorial Book (紀念集), Record of Mourning (哀思錄), or Chronicle of Glory and Sorrow (榮哀錄). It is literature and it is history. Furthermore, the scholarship, integrity, and meritorious services recorded can be teachings for later generations, even to upright the world and to transform people’s minds.

Memorial books are prevalent in the early years of the Republic of China. Printed copies are few, since they are only distributed to near relatives and close friends. They are read and discarded, put away and forgotten. Whenever the recipient moves house or passes away, the memorial book is frequently considered for disposal. It is rare for bibliophiles or public libraries to collect them, hence they have become fewer by the day. Consequently, the Chinese Heritage Vitual Museum has prepared An Assemblage of Memorial Books, to forge an engaging spectacle in the blessed pursuit of book collecting.

Curatorial and Editorial Department