Idle Talk

“The essays in this fine collection cover a fascinating range of topics under the general rubric of ‘idle talk,’ material generally considered historically unreliable, even though it appears in histories as well as in informal writings. By making anecdotes the topic of extended reflection and, more important, by examining their role in a variety of periods and contexts, the volume breaks ground in exploring the functions of gossip in the larger Chinese tradition. The authors are among the most highly respected scholars of Chinese literature in the US. Their topics are individually important; collectively they constitute a stimulating introduction to the informality—presumed and real—of literati jottings over nearly two millennia.” Robert E. Hegel, Washington University, St. Louis

About the author

Jack W. Chen is Associate Professor of Asian Languages and Cultures at UCLA. David Schaberg is Professor of Asian Languages and Cultures and Dean of the Division of Humanities at UCLA.

Summary

Beginning with the Han dynasty and ending with the Qing, this book provides a cultural history of gossip and anecdote in traditional China.

Product details

• Authors: Jack W. Chen, Jack W. Schaberg Chen
• Assisted by: Jack W. Chen (Editor), Chen Jack W. (Editor), David Schaberg (Editor), Schaberg David (Editor)
• Publisher: University Of California Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 29.09.2013
• EAN: 9780520289772
• ISBN: 978-0-520-28977-2
• No. of pages: 258
• Series: New Perspectives on Chinese Culture and Society; New Perspectives on Chinese Cu; New Perspectives on Chinese Culture and Society
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Education; Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; Education, Asia, HISTORY / Asia / General, LITERARY CRITICISM / Semiotics & Theory, LITERARY CRITICISM / Asian / General, Asian History, Literary theory, Semiotics / semiology, Literature: history and criticism