Zhang Dai (Chinese: 張岱; pinyin: Zhāng Dài; 1597–1684), courtesy name Zongzi (宗子) and pseudonym Tao'an (陶庵), 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 c. 1665. Xi Hu Meng Xun (西湖夢尋; Search The West Lake in Dreams) Source: Wikipedia (en)