경판 <홍길동전> 축약의 양상과 그 의미

Abstract

Today, there remain seven versions of the Gyeongpan Hongkildong-jeon. It has been made clear that amongst these versions (including Anseongpan), the earliest one is the Gyeongpan 30-sheet and the rest is derived from it. Then, what would be the original text of the Gyeongpan 30-sheet? The preceding studies have not been able to provide a clear answer to this question. It is mainly because the standard theory that Heo Gyun was the writer of the piece has hindered such attempt. Another reason would be the fact that researchers have not given thorough examination on its various editions. This paper has elucidated the fact that the original text of the Gyeongpan 30-sheet was the abridgement from rental book. And this led to the following understandings: Firstly, the writer of Hongkildong-jeon was someone who had connection with lending library. Secondly, Gyeongpan novel had its basis in the popular pieces from rental books which were abridged into appropriate length. These are the concrete evidences which show that lending library was at the center of the creation of Old Novels and its distribution.