Yan Zhitui (Yen Chih-t'ui) 531-c.590

Prose writer of the Northern Qi dynasty. Descended from a family of high status from Shandong province, Yan served at the Liang court. His writings include historical and lexicographical works as well as poetry, especially the autobiographical "Guan wo sheng fu" [Prose-poem viewing my life]. He is best known for the Yanshi jiaxun [Yan's family instructions] which deals not only with human relations and self-cultivation but also with literature, the arts, and problems of life and death.

Works available in English: