Zhang Family Research Literature

Yi Zhang was born in a generals family which was very prosperous during the transition between Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. His family lived in (Jinglin) Nanjing, which is the co-capital of Ming Dynasty. Though most of the family members served in the military, many of them had achievements in literature. Yi Zhang itself, his grandfather Rulan Zhang, his father Keda Zhang, together with his two uncles Keshi Zhang and Kedu Zhang, were all famous for their literature works. During this special period between dynasties, the family (except Yi’s grandfather) was severely challenged by the social conflicts and war at that time and become declining. Family members also changed their identity gradually from generals to hermit literati. Compared with the contemporary traditional literature family like Fang’s family in Tongchen, Zhang’s family did not got much attention in Ming dynasty. However, after Jiashen Change, most of family members chose to become hermit, representing adherent of past Ming Dynasty in Nanjing area. The literature works in the family also switched to practical style, instead of personal interest. They contributed a lot to collecting and editing local chronicles. And since the family members’ accumulated experience in military, they also helped to compile military documents.This dissertation has three parts. First part studied the literature works in Zhang’s Family. Second part investigated social activity of Zhang’s family. Last part compiled and discussed the scattering works of Zhang’s family and tried to make a full picture of family’s transition.