Abstract: As the texts of the preTang Dynasty classics are uncertain and derivative, their research calls for comparison and crossreference of different versions and annotations. Take Collected Annotations to Wen Xuan: Jiang Wentong’s Miscellaneous Poems as an example, the research of its prefaces and annotations, different texts, the changes of titles, the multidimensional interpretation of Li Shan’s and other various annotations including the annotations of the lost literatures, not only has great significance in checking the accuracy of the source text and supplementing the historical literatures, but also sheds light on the artistic styles of the poetry in Han and Jin Dynasties and the process of their canonization. A comparison of the early handwritten copies and carving copies of Wen Xuan is conducive to tracing back to its original form and sorting out and revising the collections of middle ages or ancient times. Meanwhile, consideration should be taken into the inclusiveness and diversity of texts, as well as the cultural connotations underlying the text transformation. It is of great methodological significance to the study of ancient literatures if we attend to the text evolution and the generative mechanism behind it, make full usage of the annotated versions and review and reexamine the interactive relationships between texts, annotations and readers in a pluralistic and inclusive perspective.

Key words: canonization, Collected Annotations to Wen Xuan, text form, Jiang Yan’s Miscellaneous Poems