Readings in Chinese Womens Philosophical and Feminist Thought: From the Late 13th to Early 21st Century

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Readings in Chinese Womens Philosophical and Feminist Thought gathers 40 original writings on women by 32 authors (many of whom are women) from the Yuan dynasty to the Republics, an important 700-year historical period during which womens learning in China blossomed as a result of economic prosperity, the development of commercial printing, and the interaction between East and West. Selections are made not only from canonical texts on womens virtues, but also from less orthodox literary works such as plays, poetry, novels, essays, and revolutionary writings that illuminate the lived experience of women and the perception of gender. With many texts translated into English for the first time, this reader provides the context needed to understand them. It features: - Chronologically organized readings in the sequence of the Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties, and the Republics to demonstrate historical progression of thought (or the lack of) - Introductions to each section and chapter covering essential information about the authors and the cultural, historical, and philosophical background to their work - A chronology of dynasties, Republics, key events, and a map Recovering discourse so often neglected in discussion of Chinese thought, this is the first collection to pay special attention to women-authored works from the late 13th to the early 21st century. By bringing these readings together in a single volume, it juxtaposes and compares female and male perspectives from the same time and creates a new narrative of Chinese philosophical thought.

Reviews

Ann Pang-White has already established an impressive reputation as one of the leading figures in the translation and interpretation of traditional Chinese writing by and about women. Editing and translating Readings in Chinese Women's Philosophical and Feminist Thought establishes Pang-White as the preeminent figure in this area! This translation anthology compliments other works that cover earlier Chinese writings by and about women, and gives students and scholars a window into this fascinating aspect of traditional culture. Pang-White allows us to see that Chinese writings by and about women are much more complex and insightful than the simplistic caricatures that are still too often accepted today. * Bryan W. Van Norden, James Monroe Taylor Chair, Vassar College, USA *
This captivating and enticing collection of plays, poetry, novels, essays, and revolutionary writings presents a unique platform for a more informed transnational, transcultural and decolonial feminist and philosophical discourse and beyond. A fascinating, delightful and illuminating expedition! * Robin R. Wang, Professor of Philosophy, Loyola Marymount University, USA *

Author Bio

Ann A. Pang-White is Professor of Philosophy and Director of Asian Studies at The University of Scranton, USA. She is the editor of the Bloomsbury Research Handbook of Chinese Philosophy and Gender (2016), editor and translator of The Confucian Four Books for Women (2018), and the author of many articles on Chinese and comparative philosophy as well as ancient and medieval philosophy.