Zhang Zhupo 1670-1698

Qing-dynasty literary critic of fiction. A native of Jiangsu province, Zhang came from a poor family. He failed the local examinations five times and had little contact with other writers apart from his uncle Zhang Chao. He is best known for his commentary on the novel Jin Ping Mei, which includes the essay "Diyi qishu fei yinshu lun" [Jin Ping Mei is not an obscene book]. He also produced a collection of poetry entitled Shiyi cao.          close