Exemplary Women of Early China The Lienü zhuan of Liu Xiang

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When should a woman disobey her father, contradict her husband, or shape the policy of a ruler? According to the Lienü zhuan, or Categorized Biographies of Women, it is not only appropriate but necessary for women to offer counsel when fathers, husbands, sons, and rulers stray from virtue. The earliest Chinese text devoted to the moral education of women, the Lienü zhuan was compiled by Liu Xiang (79?8 B.C.E.) at the end of the Han dynasty (202 B.C.E.?9 C.E.) and recounts the deeds of both virtuous and wicked women. Informed by early legends, fictionalized historical accounts, and formal speec ... Frontmatter -- Contents -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- Chronology -- 1. The Maternal Models -- 2. The Worthy and Enlightened -- 3. The Sympathetic and Wise -- 4. The Chaste and Compliant -- 5. The Principled and Righteous -- 6. The Accomplished Rhetoricians -- 7. The Depraved and Favored -- 8. Supplementary Biographies -- Notes -- Works Cited -- Index -- Backmatter