Overview

This groundbreaking book offers a fresh perspective on classical Chinese literature. Using literary sociology, it demonstrates how social, cultural, and political forces shaped the poetry and prose of the time, and how writers responded to it. The author employs the compelling metaphor of a “literary ferry” to carry intellectuals, their creative works, and literary practices across historical waters. Through this conceptual framework, the book sheds light on the interplay between literary texts from the Ming and Qing dynasties and their broader contexts, including historical movements, societal structures, class dynamics, institutional systems, clan relationships, community networks, market economies, and geographical influences. It meticulously examines how literature navigates complex social and historical currents while preserving its aesthetic integrity and distinctive literary qualities. Furthermore, it establishes a comprehensive methodological framework for analysing how social environments shape literary production and reception throughout China's rich literary history. This volume will serve as an invaluable reference for researchers and students specializing in traditional Chinese literature and comparative literary studies, particularly resonating with scholars studying the intersection of literature and sociology. For general readers, the book offers a fascinating exploration of the cultural, social, and historical forces that shaped China's greatest literary masterpieces.

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9781032916989

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Reviews

“The result of decades of research, this substantial book paints an extraordinarily rich canvas of Chinese poetry and prose during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is not a linear history but a lively panorama: an exploration of literary form in its social context – from clans and local communities to regional literary societies and the imperial court.” Theo Hermans, Emeritus Professor of University College London

Author Information

Luo Shijin is Professor at the School of Literature of Soochow University, China. Luo is a leading figure in the field of ancient literature, and he served as the Dean of the C.W. Chu Academy at Soochow University, Director of the Institute of Classical Literature at Soochow University. His main research interests lie in the poetry and prose of the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, as well as regional and clan literature.

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