There are currently no satisfactory English translations of prominent classical Chinese calligraphy masterpieces (法書, exemplary works that are worth for all to study and observe) like Cao Quan Stele (曹全碑) and Lanting Xu (蘭亭帖). This is the first book that offers line-by-line English translations of the following five Chinese calligraphy masterpieces along with detailed annotations and explanations using historical reference books and texts:

1. Cao Quan Stele (曹全碑) by an unknown calligrapher (185AD);
2. Lanting Xu (蘭亭帖) by Wang Xizhi (王羲之, 303-361AD);
3. Elaborations on the Chronicle of Ni Kuan (兒寬贊帖) by Chu Suiliang
(褚遂良, 596-658AD);
4. A Poem on General Pei (裴將軍帖) by Yan Zhenqing (顏真卿, 709-
785AD);
5. Huai Su's Autobiography (懷素自叙帖) by Huai Su (懷素, 725-785 AD or
737-799 AD).

Previous attempts by renowned scholars such as Patricia Ebrey (in translating Cao Quan Stele) and LIN Yutang (林語堂, in translating Lanting Xu) contain significant errors and omissions and will be briefly discussed in this book. Hence, serious learners of Chinese calligraphy as well as scholars studying traditional Chinese culture will find this book particularly useful.

Kwan Sheung Vincent Poon (潘君尚, 1979-) was born in Hong Kong, graduated from Ying Wa College in 1996, and later emigrated to Canada. Studying at the University of Toronto, he completed his BSc as the top graduate in Biochemistry and subsequently obtained his MSc and BEd degrees. He published numerous biochemistry research papers and currently teaches Mathematics and Science at the Toronto District School Board. His passion for Chinese calligraphy began at the age of six when he was under the tutelage of his father Kwok Kin POON (潘國鍵, PhD). His books include A Narrative on Calligraphy by Sun Guoting (英譯書譜) as well as English Translation of Classical Chinese Calligraphy Masterpieces (英譯法書).

Kwok Kin Poon (潘國鍵, 1949- ) was born in Guangzhou, raised in Hong Kong, and now resides in Toronto. He graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (BA, MPh, DipEd), the University of Hong Kong (MA,PhD), and OISE University of Toronto (MEd). He studied Chinese history under Professor YAN Gengwang (嚴耕望), Chinese calligraphy under his grandfather TSE Hay (謝熙) and Chinese painting under RONG Shushi (容漱石). Dr. POON is a seasoned teacher, researcher, calligrapher, columnist, and has held exhibitions in Hong Kong and Canada. His publications include《北魏與蠕蠕關係研究》,《國鍵文集》, 《潘國鍵書法集》,《國鍵畫選》, 《孫過庭書譜白話對譯》,《寫在信仰荊途上》,《年在耳順》, etc.. He also co-authored with KS Vincent POON A Narrative on Calligraphy by Sun Guoting (英譯書譜) and English Translation of Classical Chinese Calligraphy Masterpieces (英譯法書).