Chinese Script - History, Characters, Calligraphy

In this brisk and accessible history, sinologist Thomas O. Höllmann explains the development of the Chinese writing system and its importance in literature, religion, art, and other aspects of culture. Spanning the earliest epigraphs and oracle bones to writing and texting on computers and mobile phones today, Chinese Script is a wide-ranging and versatile introduction to the complexity and beauty of written text and calligraphy in the Chinese world.

List of contents

Preface
1. Inspiration and Drill
2. The Script
3. Ingenuity and Passion
4. Book Printing and Its Consequences
5. Import¿Export
6. Calligraphy
Appendix 1. Notes on Pronunciation
Appendix 2. Timeline of Chinese Dynasties
Bibliography
Index of Names

About the author

Thomas O. Höllmann is a professor of Chinese studies and ethnology at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and president of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities. He is also the author of The Land of the Five Flavors: A Cultural History of Chinese Cuisine (Columbia, 2013).

Summary

Thomas O. Höllmann explains the development of the Chinese writing system and its importance in literature, religion, art, and other aspects of culture. Spanning epigraphs and oracle bones to writing and texting, Chinese Script is a wide-ranging introduction to the complexity and beauty of written text and calligraphy in the Chinese world.

Report

A well-researched, detailed book that provides broad yet concise information on the Chinese writing system's historical background, as well as its linguistic and artistic aspects. Peter Yang, Case Western Reserve University

Product details

• Authors: Maximiliane Donicht, Thomas O. Hoellmann, Thomas O. Hollmann, Thomas O. Höllmann
• Assisted by: Maximiliane Donicht (Translation)
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 30.11.2017
• EAN: 9780231181730
• ISBN: 978-0-231-18173-0
• No. of pages: 144
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > Other languages / Other literatures; HISTORY / Asia / China, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Alphabets & Writing Systems, FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDY / Chinese, Language teaching & learning material & coursework, Historical & comparative linguistics, Language teaching and learning material and coursework, Historical and comparative linguistics