Vignettes from the Late Ming A Hsiao-p'in Anthology
This anthology presents seventy translated and annotated short essays, or hsiao-p'in, by fourteen well-known sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Chinese writers. Hsiao-p'in, characterized by spontaneity and brevity, were a relatively informal variation on the established classical prose sty...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Book Chapter |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Seattle
University of Washington Press
1999
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| Online Access: | DOAB: download the publication DOAB: description of the publication |
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| Summary: | This anthology presents seventy translated and annotated short essays, or hsiao-p'in, by fourteen well-known sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Chinese writers. Hsiao-p'in, characterized by spontaneity and brevity, were a relatively informal variation on the established classical prose style in which all scholars were trained. Written primarily to amuse and entertain the reader, hsiao-p'in reflect the rise of individualism in the late Ming period and collectively provide a panorama of the colorful life of the age. Critics condemned the genre as escapist because of its focus on life's sensual pleasures and triviality, and over the next two centuries many of these playful and often irreverent works were officially censored. Today, the essays provide valuable and rare accounts of the details over everyday life in Ming China as well as displays of wit and delightful turns of phrase. The open access publication of this book was made possible by a grant from the James P. Geiss and Margaret Y. Hsu Foundation. |
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| Physical Description: | 1 electronic resource (191 p.) |
| ISBN: | 9780295802268 9780295977331 |
| Access: | Open Access |