靑莊館 李德懋의 청년기 독서 목록과 학문 지향 -『嬰處詩稿』 · 『嬰處文稿』 · 『嬰處雜稿』를 중심으로

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the thoughts and academic world of Yi Deok-mu(1741–1793), a late Joseon Dynasty scholar, by compiling and analyzing the book titles and personal names mentioned in his early poetry and prose collections: Yeongcheo Sigo, Yeongcheo Mungo, and Yeongcheo Japgo. Analysis of the book titles reveals that Yi prioritized Confucian classics, held critical views toward Daoist and Buddhist philosophies, and dismissed novels. Notably, there is no mention of Yuan Hongdao’s works, despite Yuan's known influence on Yi. In addition to Chinese books, Yi read many Korean texts and criticized the trend of neglecting native literature. Analysis of personal names shows that Yi interacted with writers of similar social standing including relatives, gathering for poetry meetings and engage in academic discussions. He also frequently referenced Confucius (24 times) and Zhu Xi (24 times), regarding Zhu Xi as a figure comparable to a sage. This reflects Yi’s focus on Neo-Confucianism, as he studied Confucian classics and pursued moral philosophy while preparing for civil service examinations in his youth. Furthermore, Yi read works by prominent Chinese literary figures such as Qu Yuan, Han Yu, Su Shi, and Du Fu, and displayed a particular appreciation for Tao Yuanming and Ouyang Xiu. The literary and academic activities reflected in Yi’s early collections provide critical insights into the foundations of his intellectual world and underscore their significance in shaping his scholarly trajectory.