Historical Taxonomy of Talking Birds in Chinese Literature

Parrots and mynahs have played a unique role in Chinese literature for two millennia. In this wide-ranging thematic study, Wilt L. Idema traces the development of the parrot and the mynah as characters in many forms of poetry and prose of Chinese elite literature, as well as in the long narrative ballads of traditional popular literature.

About the author

Wilt L. Idema is Professor of Chinese Literature, Emeritus, at Harvard University.

Summary

Parrots and mynahs have played a unique role in Chinese literature for two millennia. In this wide-ranging thematic study, Wilt L. Idema traces the development of the parrot and the mynah as characters in many forms of poetry and prose of Chinese elite literature, as well as in the long narrative ballads of traditional popular literature.

Product details

• Authors: Wilt L. Idema, Idema Wilt L.
• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 25.03.2025
• EAN: 9780674298675
• ISBN: 978-0-674-29867-5
• No. of pages: 320
• Series: Harvard-Yenching Institute Monograph Series
• Subjects: Guides > Self-help, everyday life > Family; Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; Education, PETS / Birds, LITERARY CRITICISM / Subjects & Themes / Politics, LITERARY CRITICISM / Asian / Chinese, LITERARY CRITICISM / Subjects & Themes / Religion