Full Description
Chinese Literature in English Sinology takes an exciting new approach to Sino-British literary and cultural encounters in the nineteenth century, focusing specifically on British Sinologists' study of Chinese literature in the English language. It provides the first comprehensive exploration of their writings on Chinese literature as a form of literary knowledge constructed through the process of cultural translation—a translingual and transcultural rewriting. The analysis reveals the interaction between Chinese and English literary concepts and paradigms in their study that gave rise to ideas about Chinese literature still influential today.
Drawing attention to the political implication of literary knowledge, this book also demonstrates that Sinologists' interpretation of Chinese literature played an important role in shaping the British cultural imagination of China. Tracing this uncharted history, Chinese Literature in English Sinology contributes to present and future debates on the intercultural reading and studies of Chinese literature by offering a genealogical understanding of its origins and ramifications.
Contents
List of Figures
Acknowledgements
Introduction: From Literature to Literary Knowledge
1. Conceptualising Chinese Literature in English Sinology
2. The Anatomy of Chinese Literature: Expository Study
3. Through a Different Lens: Comparative Study
4. Toward a History of Chinese Literature: Historical Study
Conclusion: The Organisation of Literary Knowledge
Bibliography
Index
