Zhang Dai

Zhang Dai (; 1597–1684), courtesy name Zongzi () and pseudonym '''Tao'an''' (), was a Chinese essayist and historian. He was a gentleman essayist who was a biographer of his own privileged aristocratic family, a historian of the Ming dynasty, and a biographer of notable virtuous figures. He wrote his own obituary which included the lines: "He loved pretty maidservants, he loved handsome serving boys ... he loved perfect food ... he loved paintings of flowers and birds."

Zhang was a prolific writer, having penned more than thirty books covering literature and history; however only a few of Zhang's numerous works remain extant today. His most famous books are: * ''Dream Memories of Tao'an'', written . * ''Xi Hu Meng Xun'' (; ''Search The West Lake in Dreams'') Provided by Wikipedia