The Book of Songs, the earliest anthology of poetry in China, consists of 305 songs popular between the 11th and 6th centuries BC. More than half of them are folk songs from various parts of the country, while the rest are ceremonial or festive songs sung at court or at banquets and hymns used during sacrifices to the gods or ancestors. Most of the poems, written in a simple and natural style to reflect the life and struggle, labor and love, joys and sorrows of the people in ancient times, have been highly appreciated throughout the ages and have exerted a profound influence on the development of Chinese literature. Selections from the Book of Songs includes 45 songs together with an article by Yu Guanying, an expert in this field.