noun
lost work; lost writings
Refers to a complete literary work that no longer exists in its original form; known only through references or fragments.
この詩人の逸文は、後世の引用でしか読めない。
This poet's lost works can only be read through later quotations.
noun
literary fragment; partially surviving work
A work that survives only in part, often as quotations or excerpts in other texts.
古い日記の逸文が、歴史書の中に残っている。
Fragments of an old diary survive within a historical chronicle.
noun
superior work; excellent writing
Rare, literary usage praising a piece of writing as outstanding; not the primary modern meaning.
この随筆はまさに逸文と呼ぶにふさわしい。
This essay is truly worthy of being called an excellent piece of writing.
散逸 refers to the state of being scattered and lost, often used for documents or collections, while 逸文 specifically denotes the lost or fragmentary writings themselves.
断片 is a general term for a fragment or piece, not limited to literary works, whereas 逸文 is a technical term in textual studies for lost or partially surviving writings.
From 逸 (escape, be lost) + 文 (writing, text). The kanji combination directly conveys 'lost writings'.