Han Feizi: The Art of Statecraft in Early China: A Bilingual Edition: VOLUME 2

Christoph Harbsmeier, Jens Østergaard Petersen, Yuri Pines

Research output: Book/ReportBookpeer-review

Abstract

Volume 2 of a 2-volume set: This annotated translation of Han Feizi introduces one of China’s most controversial political texts. Generations of Chinese literati have deplored Han Feizi’s cynical assault on moralising discourse, blatant authoritarianism, and gleeful derision of fellow intellectuals. Yet many were attracted to the text’s practical advice, especially its advocacy of reliance on impartial standards rather than on the personal qualities of the leaders (who may be dupes, selfish, or both). And many more admired the text’s incisiveness, wit, humour, and realistic approach to politics. The new translation makes the text’s political philosophy and its literary gems accessible to the interested readers.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages1082
ISBN (Electronic)9789004723535
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2024

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Arts and Humanities
  • General Social Sciences

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