The Chinese Essay

This anthology of seventy-four representative essays from the 3rd century to the late 20th century is the first of its kind in a Western language. The translations are prefaced by an informative historical survey as well as commentaries on each author. It offers readers a unique opportunity to sample the best from a genre central to the Chinese literary tradition. David E. Pollard, the editor and translator, served as Chair Professor of Chinese at London University from 1979 to 1989, and Chair Professor of Translation at The Chinese University of Hong Kong from 1989 to 1997. 'Sinology has rarely touched upon the essay. Professor Pollard's anthology fills this yawning gap.' —GP Deshpande in China Report '...never has the considerable tradition of the modem Chinese essay been presented so richly.' —MCLC Book Reviews 'The reader will certainly get a feel for the range of the Chinese essay genre. But he will get something more ... This collection contains a vast amount of information on the details of everyday life, on man's reaction to the environment, on the textures of social intercourse and on Chinese attitudes and reaction to the world they inhabit.' —Denis Twitchett, Emeritus Professor of Chinese, Cambridge University