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Look Inside Cosmology and Political Culture in Early China

Cosmology and Political Culture in Early China

$55.99 (C)

Part of Cambridge Studies in Chinese History, Literature and Institutions

Author: Aihe Wang, Purdue University, Indiana

Date Published: November 2006
availability: Available
format: Paperback
isbn: 9780521027496

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About the Authors

This book offers a radical reinterpretation of the formative stages of Chinese culture and history, tracing the central role played by cosmology in the formation of China's early empires. It crosses the disciplines of history, social anthropology, archaeology, and philosophy to illustrate how cosmological systems, particularly the Five Elements, shaped political culture. By focusing on dynamic change in early cosmology, the book undermines the notion that Chinese cosmology was homogenous and unchanging. By arguing that cosmology was intrinsic to power relations, it also challenges prevailing theories of political and intellectual history.
- Innovative exploration of the mutual transformation of cosmology and political power in Chinese history
- Demonstrates that cosmology constituted power relations rather than merely symbolizing power
- Multidisciplinary approach, synthesizing anthropology, history, archaeology and philosophy
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Reviews & endorsements
"...an ambitious reexamination of the origins and development of Wuxing...it brilliantly clarifies this central component of traditional Chinese imperial statecraft as it was forged in the hands of Confucian ideologues throughout the duration of the Han dynasty." The Journal of Religion
"This is an excellent book, valuable for its deft use of previous scholarship to describe the interaction of politics and religion. Cosmology and Political Culture in Early China succeeds both as an attack on essentialism and as a description of relationships between political ideals and cosmologies in pre-imperial and early imperial times. It clearly conveys its central message that Chinese cosmology changed over time in conjunction with political changes...Wang provides the most elegant and accurate descriptions that have yet been offered in English of certain fundamental structures. For this reason alone this book should receive wide circulation." Harvard Journal of Asiatic Studies
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Product details
- Date Published: November 2006
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521027496
- length: 256 pages
- dimensions: 228 x 152 x 17 mm
- weight: 0.387kg
- contains: 15 b/w illus. 2 maps 10 tables
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
List of illustrations
List of tables
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Sifang and the center: the cosmology of the ruling clan
3. Wuxing: cosmology in historical transition
4. Moralizing cosmology and transforming imperial sovereignty
5. Contesting emperorship: the center of the cosmos and pivot of power
Conclusion: cosmology and power reconsidered
List of abbreviations
Works cited
Index.
Look Inside
Author
Aihe Wang, Purdue University, Indiana