* Introduction *1. A Time of Turmoil *2. Model Rulers *3. Reforming into Collapse *4. The Song in the South *5. Three Doctrines *6. Education and Examination *7. Life Cycle Rituals *8. Exploring the World Within and Without *9. Transforming the Capitals *10. A Changing World of Production *11. Money and Taxes *12. Private Lives in the Public Sphere * Conclusion * Dynastic Rulers * Measures * Pronunciation Guide * Notes * Bibliography * Acknowledgments * Index
One of the leading historians of the Song period offers an empirically rich and well-informed book that is especially good on material culture and the history of technology. Kuhn offers strong overviews of the transformation of the capital cities, education and examination, commerce, and the Song fiscal system, as well as lively discussions of religious beliefs, the study of natural phenomena, and private life in the public sphere. For readers who want an in-depth look at mid-imperial Chinese history and culture, Dieter Kuhn's Age of Confucian Rule promises to become the book of choice. -- Paul Jakov Smith, Haverford College
Dieter Kuhn was Professor and Chair of Chinese Studies, University of Würzburg. Timothy Brook is Professor of History and Republic of China Chair at the University of British Columbia.
[An] admirable account of the Song dynasty… This series on China,
brilliantly overseen by Timothy Brook, is a credit to Harvard
University Press. Above all, it encourages us to think of China in
different ways.
*Literary Review*
One hopes [Kuhn’s] work will find a larger audience, for he has
much to teach to general readers, world historians, and China
specialists alike.
*American Historical Review*
The Age of Confucian Rule is a book that everyone who teaches
Chinese history should have on his or her shelf and consult
frequently… The attention [Kuhn] gives material culture is
refreshing and helps him to make his case for the importance of
China in Song times.
*International Journal of Asian Studies*
The first four chapters of this well-researched, clearly written
book present a balanced synopsis of the political, institutional,
and military history of Song and its neighbors during some three
centuries, when this was ‘the most advanced civilization on earth.’
The remaining eight chapters deal with thought, life cycle rituals,
poetry and painting, education and the examination system, dynastic
capitals, the world of production, money and taxation, private
lives, and the public sphere. The author’s enthusiasm is matched by
his erudition and outstanding expertise in Song material culture as
he ranges widely from the plethora of goods for sale in bustling
shops and markets to the origins of foot binding, and finds space
for dental hygiene as well as tomb construction… Scholars already
versed in the period can learn much from this book, while those
just beginning to delve into Chinese history are very well
served.
*Choice*
One of the leading historians of the Song period offers an
empirically rich and well-informed book that is especially good on
material culture and the history of technology. Kuhn offers strong
overviews of the transformation of the capital cities, education
and examination, commerce, and the Song fiscal system, as well as
lively discussions of religious beliefs, the study of natural
phenomena, and private life in the public sphere. For readers who
want an in-depth look at mid-imperial Chinese history and culture,
Dieter Kuhn’s Age of Confucian Rule promises to become the book of
choice.
*Paul Jakov Smith, Haverford College*
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