Originally a BLCU inside textbook for the fourth-year undergraduates in the School of Chinese Studies, A Brief History of Ancient Chinese Literature gives a holistic introduction to ancient Chinese literature. It divides the development of ancient Chinese literature into eight historical periods, namely pre-Qin, Han, period of Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern dynasties, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, and briefly reviews the history of development of ancient Chinese literature while highlighting the important writers and works during different historical periods. It aims to give international students a preliminary impression of ancient Chinese literature and its history. 

Xu Zongcai is one of the authors of Essentials of the History of Chinese Ancient Literature and the author of the undergraduate textbook series Ancient Chinese (2 volumes). Xu has rich relevant teaching experience.