Ban Gu's history of early China.

9781604975611

Ban Gu's history of early China.

Clark, Anthony E.

Cambria Press

2008

302 pages

$109.95

Hardcover

DS748

Ban Gu, a historian during China's Han Dynasty in the first century CE, was influential on later Chinese historians, Clark (Chinese history, U. of Alabama) argues in this study. Tracing the reception of his History of the Han, Clark demonstrates how later historians emulated Ban Gu's use of language. The main thesis of the study is the political message embedded in Ban Gu's History, which is demonstrated in Clark's close analysis of the text in light of both what is known of Ban Gu's personal opinions and the political events of the time. Extensive passages from the History are included, in the original Chinese with English translation.

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