Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute Beginners (English and Chinese Edition) - Softcover

Van Norden, Bryan W.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1624668216 ISBN 13: 9781624668210

Publisher: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 2019

Synopsis

In just thirteen brief, accessible chapters, this engaging little book takes "absolute beginners" from the most basic questions about the language (e.g., what does a classical Chinese character look like?) to reading and understanding selections from classical Chinese philosophical texts and Tang dynasty poetry.

"An outstanding introduction to reading classical Chinese. Van Norden does a wonderful job of clearly explaining the basics of classical Chinese, and he carefully takes the reader through beautifully chosen examples from the textual tradition. An invaluable work." —Michael Puett, Harvard University

About this title

About the Author

Bryan W. Van Norden is Chair Professor in the School of Philosophy at Wuhan University (China) and James Monroe Taylor Chair of Philosophy at Vassar College (USA).  He is author, editor, or translator of ten books on Chinese and comparative philosophy.

Review

"Van Norden has pulled off the seemingly impossible. With his direction, a serious student could make real headway in learning classical Chinese—while learning a great deal about early Chinese thought as well."
—Robert E. Hegel, Washington University in St. Louis

"For most people, learning Classical Chinese is a daunting task, but for those who are fortunate enough to begin with Van Norden's intelligently written and wittily designed Guide, it is far easier and, dare I say, much more fun than one might have thought."
—Victor H. Mair, University of Pennsylvania

"[A] terrific little book, one that fills a niche. Van Norden is a gifted writer when it comes to material geared to students, and the book is very lucid, engaging, and funny all at once. It is a pleasure to read."
–Hagop Sarkissian, The City University of New York, Graduate Center, and Baruch College

"This is a book for anyone who would like to learn a bit of Classical Chinese. . . . If you, or one of your students, or someone on your holiday gift list are interested in a career as a Sinologist, or would like to learn just enough Classical Chinese to say you know a bit, or just like learning interesting things from a good teacher you should get this book. It is by far the most fun language textbook I have ever read."
—Alan Baulmer, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, from a review on the Frog in a Well blog

"I truly believe Van Norden’s textbook on classical Chinese is one of the best! Pros:
1) It’s very affordable and can be taught in a term.
2) It offers short lessons across a diverse scope of genres and readings, including poetry.
3) It’s self-contained and does not need to be supplemented with additional readings or glosses.
4) By adding related texts in classical Chinese or even in translation, instructors can enhance this textbook to make it more advanced.
5) The introductory section is a perfect introduction to the Chinese writing system.
This is the textbook most of us have been waiting for!"
—Chiu-Mi Lai, The University of Texas at Austin

Edition details

• Publisher: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
• Publication date: 2019
• ISBN 10: 1624668216
• ISBN 13: 9781624668210
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 168