Faith, Myth, and Reason in Han China

Description

In his classic study of the cultural history of Han China, Michael Loewe uses both archaeological discoveries and written records to sketch the conceptual background of various artifacts of the Han period, and shows how ancient Chinese thought is as much informed by mythology as it is dependent on reason. Originally published as Chinese Ideas of Life and Death: Faith, Myth and Reason in the Han Period (202 BC-AD 220), this edition includes a new Preface that discusses relevant discoveries made since the first publication and an updated list of other works on relevant topics. Copyright Contents Preface Preface to the Hackett Edition Introduction 01 Four Attitudes of Mind 02 The Gods 03 The Life Hereafter 04 The Order of Nature 05 The Universe and the Shape of the Heavens 06 The Earth and its Creatures 07 The Cycle of Change 08 Omens and Miracles 09 Divination and Oracles 10 Shamans and Intermediaries 11 Services to the Dead 12 The Imperial Cults 13 Imperial Sovereignty 14 The Purposes of Government 15 The Regulation of Man 16 The Scriptures References and Notes for Further Reading Glossary Emperors of the Han Dynasty Addendum to Further Reading Index