"易義海撮要" is a ten-volume work compiled during the Xi Ning period (1068-1077) by Fang Shenquan, a native of Shu. Originally, Fang Shenquan had created "义海" (Yi Hai), which consisted of one hundred volumes. More recently, Li Heng, also known as Li Yanping, edited and condensed this work. In addition to the original content, Li added commentaries from notable scholars such as Su Shi (Dongpo), Cheng Yi (Yichuan), and Zhu Han.

It is noted that Fang Shenquan's original one hundred-volume work has not been widely seen. Li Heng served as an imperial official during the Qian Dao period (1165-1173) and was promoted from a censor to a court historian. However, there is a discrepancy in the "馆阁续书目" (Continued Catalogue of the Imperial Library), which incorrectly states that Li Heng served as a censor during the Shaoxing period (1131-1162).

This work, "易義海撮要," represents a significant compilation and synthesis of Li Heng's scholarly efforts in condensing and enhancing the original extensive work on the I Ching.

References

• 《直齋書錄解題·卷一》