The Classic of Filial Piety: Translation and Notes
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Summary
Editor's review
In terms of content value, the translation and annotation are rigorous and solid, with annotations citing classics and sources, helping readers understand the historical context and nuances of the text; the interpretation section connects to reality and guides readers to reflect on the manifestations and ethical value of filial piety in today's society. Overall, this is an excellent work combining scholarship and accessibility, suitable both as a reference for researchers and as an introductory reader on traditional culture for general readers.
Reading this book not only provides a systematic understanding of the core ideas of The Classic of Filial Piety—from cherishing one's body, hair, and skin as received from one's parents to establishing oneself and practicing the Way to make a name for posterity—but also prompts reflection on the diverse practices of filial piety, a cornerstone of Chinese culture, in modern family and social relationships. Mr. Wang's translation and annotation are calm and profound, avoiding over-interpretation and leaving readers room for independent thought.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Readers interested in traditional Chinese culture and Confucian thought who wish to systematically understand the concept of filial piety
- University students or teachers in literature, history, and philosophy who need a reliable reference for studying The Classic of Filial Piety
- Parents or educators focused on family ethics education who hope to draw wisdom from the classics
- Readers who enjoy annotated translations of classical texts and seek both textual accuracy and depth of interpretation
Not a good fit for
- Readers seeking light entertainment or quick, predigested knowledge
- Readers expecting a complete overturning of traditional views or a radically critical perspective
Reading tips
- First read through the vernacular translation to grasp the general meaning, then read the original closely alongside the annotations, and finally consult the interpretation section to deepen understanding
- While reading, consider your own family relationships and social observations, and reflect on the contemporary applicability of and room for adjustment in the classic discussions
- Read this book alongside Confucian classics such as The Analects and Mencius to gain a more comprehensive grasp of the Confucian ethical system
About the publisher
Shanghai Classics Publishing House is a professional publisher centered on the collation of ancient texts and academic research works. Its publishing areas cover historical readings, classical poetry, folk literature, literary appreciation, canonical works, and Eastern philosophy. Its books include Chen Yinke's A Brief Discussion of the Origins of the Sui and Tang Institutions, Xin Qiji's Chronological Annotated Edition of Jiaxuan's Ci (Simplified Edition), Tang Xianzu's The Peony Pavilion, Liu Xie's The Literary Mind and the Carving of Dragons, as well as New Annotations to Three Hundred Tang Poems (Collector's Edition), Annotated Edition of Han Changli's Collected Works (Simplified Edition, 3 volumes), and Youyang Zazu. Its authors include Chen Yinke, Xin Qiji, Tang Xianzu, Liu Xie, Deng Guangming, Hengtang Tuishi, Han Yu, and Ma Qichang. In terms of publishing characteristics, the house emphasizes collation, annotation, and compilation of ancient texts alongside academic research works, and continues to issue simplified and collector's editions that balance scholarship and accessibility. Public information about the publisher's fuller publishing profile is limited.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 前言
- 译注说明
- 开宗明义章第一
- 天子章第二
- 诸侯章第三
- 卿大夫章第四
- 士章第五
- 庶人章第六
- 三才章第七
- 孝治章第八
- 圣治章第九
- 纪孝行章第十
- 五刑章第十一
- 广要道章第十二
- 广至德章第十三
- 广扬名章第十四
- 谏诤章第十五
- 感应章第十六
- 事君章第十七
- 丧亲章第十八
- 附录
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About the author
Wang Shoukuan is an author who focuses on Chinese traditional culture and on making history accessible to general readers; public information about him is limited, and details such as his dates of birth and death and nationality are not confirmed. Judging from the nineteen works held in the database, his writing falls mainly into two categories, Eastern philosophy and history readings. On the one hand, he has compiled and annotated the Classic of Filial Piety; on the other, he has contributed to the Concise Readers of the Twenty-Five Histories series, covering dynastic volumes such as the Records of the Three Kingdoms, the Book of the Later Han, the History of the Qing, the History of the Late Qing, and the Histories of the Northern and Southern Song. He has also produced documentary compilations such as Ju An Lu: with One Other Work. Overall, his writing emphasizes making classical texts and historical sources approachable, in clear and readable language suited to ordinary readers who wish to encounter traditional classics and the official histories with little burden.
