General Treatise on Classical Studies

Name: General Treatise on Classical Studies
ISBN: 9787506887236

Qian JiboChina Book Publishing House · ChinaMay 2023

4.3

Word count: 134K words
Chapters: 10
ISBN: 9787506887236

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Summary

The Comprehensive History of Classical Scholarship is a representative work by Qian Jibo. Its distinguishing features are as follows: first, it is structurally original, organized not by dynasty as a history of classical scholarship but by individual classics; second, it is architecturally original, treating not all Thirteen Classics but only a select few genuine Confucian classics. Qian Jibo held that some of the Thirteen Classics are works of the masters, such as Mencius; some are "secondary to the classics," such as the Analects and the Classic of Filial Piety; and some are works explicating the classics, such as the Erya—these are therefore omitted from The Comprehensive History of Classical Scholarship. Third, it is stylistically original: the language is concise and the information density high. Qian Jibo devoted tremendous effort to the textual editions, catalogues, and lineages of classical scholarship, and his erudition is breathtaking. Qian Jibo's The Comprehensive History of Classical Scholarship stands alone, inheriting the past and opening the way for the future.

Editor's review

Mr. Qian Jibo's The Comprehensive History of Classical Scholarship is a masterly work that systematically traces and expounds the origins and development of Chinese classical scholarship. Rather than offering word-by-word annotation of the Confucian classics, it adopts a broad historical perspective, delving into hidden sources and offering a synoptic account of the historical threads, major schools, core figures, and intellectual transformations of classical scholarship. With his profound grounding in Chinese learning, the author situates classical scholarship within the larger context of Chinese intellectual and academic history, revealing the dialectical pattern of "constancy" and "change" in its internal development as the core of traditional culture. In reading this book, readers not only gain a basic knowledge genealogy of the classics—the Poetry, Documents, Rites, Changes, and Spring and Autumn Annals—and their interpretations through the ages, but also come to a deeper understanding of how classical scholarship shaped the political ethics, social structure, and national spirit of ancient China. In the current context of reassessing traditional culture, The Comprehensive History of Classical Scholarship offers us a key to returning to the original context and understanding the true meaning of the classics. Its discussions are precise and judicious, its style elegant and restrained, embodying the breadth and depth of Republican-era scholars who commanded both literature and history—an indispensable advanced guide to the halls of traditional Chinese learning.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers of literature and history with a strong interest in traditional Chinese classical scholarship and intellectual history
University humanities students and researchers seeking a systematic understanding of the transmission and interpretation of the Confucian classics
Readers seeking a macro-level grasp of the core framework of traditional Chinese culture
Readers who appreciate Mr. Qian Jibo's solid textual research and clear historical insight

Not a good fit for

Readers expecting chapter-by-chapter vernacular explanations or inspirational-style expositions of individual Confucian classics
Beginners with only superficial knowledge of Chinese learning who seek light, easy introductions

Reading tips

It is advisable to first acquire a basic understanding of the sequence of Chinese dynasties and major thinkers before reading this book, so as to better grasp the historical context of the evolution of classical scholarship.
While reading, consult a brief chronological table of classical scholarship or relevant biographies to help clarify the relationships among the scholars and schools mentioned in the book.
Do not rush; read chapter by chapter, and after finishing the discussion of each important period (such as the Han, Song, and Ming), take a moment to review and summarize in order to build an overall cognitive framework.

About the publisher

China Book Publishing House China · Founded in 1986

China Book Publishing House specializes in publishing cultural studies titles. Its 139 books in the database cover history, literary appreciation, culture, Eastern philosophy, military affairs, and world history. Representative titles include Chinese academic classics such as Xiang Da's Tang Dynasty Chang'an and the Civilization of the Western Regions, Lu Xun's A Brief History of Chinese Fiction, Liu Yizheng's History of Chinese Culture, and Wen Yiduo's New Interpretations of the Classics, as well as world history and military translations such as J. F. C. Fuller's The Decisive Battles of the Western World and Their Influence upon History. Its authors and translators range from Xiang Da, Lu Xun, Liu Yizheng, and Wen Yiduo to Wang Ziwu, Li Chenxi, and Xiaoxiao Bingren, giving the press a publishing profile that values both classic Chinese scholarship and contemporary translations of foreign studies.

版权信息
中国学术论著精品丛刊编委会
引言
总志第一
周易志第二
尚书志第三
诗志第四
三礼志第五
春秋志第六
小学志第七

FAQ

How does this book differ from Pi Xirui's History of Classical Scholarship?

Both are famous works on the history of classical scholarship. Pi's work focuses more on a macro-level outline of historical periodization and judgments of merit and demerit, with a clear thread; Qian's Comprehensive History of Classical Scholarship, within a general historical narrative, pays closer attention to detailed analysis and evaluation of the content, characteristics, and influence of the core classics, major scholars, and their works in each period, with a stronger emphasis on textual research and a deeper analysis of the internal logic of scholarship.

What is the writing style of this book? Does it require a high level of proficiency in classical Chinese?

The book is written in classical Chinese, with an elegant and condensed style and abundant citations. Though not overly abstruse, it requires readers to have some foundation in reading classical Chinese and a basic understanding of traditional academic terminology. For modern readers, patient reading may be needed, but the logical force and incisive judgments it displays are worth savoring carefully.

Does this book help in understanding contemporary Chinese society and culture?

It has an indirect yet profound influence. As the ideological core of traditional society, classical scholarship's modes of thought and values have deeply permeated the fabric of Chinese society. Understanding the history of classical scholarship helps us discern the historical origins of many contemporary cultural phenomena, ethical concepts, and even habits of thought, providing important historical perspectives and intellectual resources for reflecting on the relationship between traditional culture and modernity.

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About the author

Qian Jibo Author · China · 1887–1957

Qian Jibo (1887–1957), courtesy name Ziquan and style name Qianlu, was a native of Wuxi, Jiangsu. A prominent modern scholar of classical prose, literary and historical studies, and education, he was the father of Qian Zhongshu. He taught for many years at St. John's University, Tsinghua University, Guanghua University, and Zhejiang University, and after the victory of the War of Resistance taught at Huazhong University; he died in Wuhan in 1957. His scholarship spanned literature and history. His works include A History of Chinese Literature, A History of Modern Chinese Literature, A General Treatise on Classical Studies, A General Meaning of Editions, and Essential Readings in Ancient Books, and he compiled Essential Readings in National Studies. In The Academic Spirit of Hunan over the Past Century, he traced the regional scholarly tradition, reflecting his emphasis on classical, historical, and textual studies. His writing is rigorous and solid, skilled in tracing origins and developments, and his works remain important references for the study of Chinese literary history, academic history, and the foundations of national studies.