# Shi Nai'an

> Chinese writer (1296-1372)

**Wikidata**: [Q1777502](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1777502)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shi_Nai'an)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/shi-nai-an

## Summary
Shi Nai'an (1296-1372) was a Chinese writer and novelist best known as the attributed author of "Water Margin," one of China's Four Great Classical Novels from the 14th century. His literary work has profoundly shaped Chinese literature and storytelling traditions for centuries, establishing themes of rebellion and justice that continue to influence modern culture.

## Biography
- Born: 1296 (no specific birthplace provided)
- Nationality: Chinese
- Education: Not specified in the source material
- Known for: Writing "Water Margin," attributed as one of China's Four Great Classical Novels
- Employer(s): Not specified in the source material
- Field(s): Literature, novel writing

## Contributions
Shi Nai'an is credited with writing "Water Margin," a 14th-century Chinese novel that is recognized as one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. This work, attributed to Shi Nai'an, is a significant achievement in world literature, telling the stories of 108 outlaws who gather at Liangshan Marsh to resist a corrupt government during the Song dynasty.

## FAQs
What is Shi Nai'an's best-known work? 
Shi Nai'an is best known for "Water Margin," a 14th-century Chinese novel that is counted among China's Four Great Classical Novels.

When did Shi Nai'an live?
Shi Nai'an lived from 1296 to 1372, spanning the late Yuan dynasty and the early Ming dynasty in China.

What other names was Shi Nai'an known by?
Shi Nai'an was also known by several aliases including Shi Er, Zian, Naian, and Nai'an Shi.

## Why They Matter
Shi Nai'an's "Water Margin" represents a cornerstone of Chinese literary tradition and has influenced countless subsequent works in Chinese literature and beyond. The novel's themes of rebellion against corruption, justice, and loyalty continue to resonate with readers across centuries. As one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, Shi Nai'an's work has shaped the development of the novel form in China and has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and other cultural productions. Without his contribution, the landscape of Chinese literature would be fundamentally different, missing one of its most celebrated and enduring works.

## Notable For
- Authorship of "Water Margin," one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature
- Writing during the transitional period from Yuan to Ming dynasty
- Contribution to the development of the novel form in China
- Creation of enduring literary themes of rebellion and justice that continue to influence contemporary culture

## Body
### Early Life
Shi Nai'an (1296-1372) was born during the late Yuan dynasty in China. While his exact birthplace is not specified in the available source material, his life spanned a period of significant historical transition, ending during the early years of the Ming dynasty.

### Literary Career
Shi Nai'an was a writer by profession, contributing to the literary landscape of China during a pivotal historical period. Though specific details about his education or formal training are not provided in the source material, his eventual recognition as a novelist indicates a substantial command of Chinese literary traditions.

### Major Work: Water Margin
Shi Nai'an is most notably credited with writing "Water Margin" (also known as "Outlaws of the Marsh"), a 14th-century Chinese novel. This work is attributed to him as the author and stands as one of China's Four Great Classical Novels. The novel tells the stories of 108 outlaws who gather at Liangshan Marsh to resist a corrupt government during the Song dynasty. The narrative explores themes of justice, rebellion, loyalty, and the conflict between individual conscience and societal authority.

### Historical Context and Reception
"Water Margin" was written during a time of significant social and political change in China, with the Yuan dynasty giving way to the Ming dynasty (1368-1444). The novel has endured as one of the most celebrated works in Chinese literature, studied and adapted for centuries. It has been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various forms of media, including films, television series, and theatrical performances, extending its influence beyond China's borders.

### Influence and Legacy
As the author of "Water Margin," Shi Nai'an has had a profound and lasting impact on Chinese literature. The novel is not only a significant achievement in storytelling but also a cultural touchstone that continues to influence contemporary Chinese culture and artistic expressions. Its exploration of themes that remain relevant—government corruption, social justice, and individual morality—ensures its continued relevance to modern readers.

### Personal Details
While the available source material provides limited biographical details, we know that Shi Nai'an was also referred to by several aliases, including Shi Er, Zian, Naian, and Nai'an Shi. These variations in his name reflect the historical practices of using multiple names in Chinese culture. Despite his significant contribution to literature, specific details about his personal life, employment history, or educational background are not available in the provided source material.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. China Biographical Database
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Catalog of the German National Library
5. general catalog of BnF
6. CiNii Research
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Source
9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
10. LIBRIS. 2012