A Classical Chinese Reader

Classical Chinese is the most comprehensive and authoritative textbook on the language, literature, philosophy, history, and religion of premodern China. Rigorously and extensively field-tested and fine-tuned for years in classroom settings, it sets a new standard for the field. Originally published in three volumes, Classical Chinese appears here in one convenient and easy-to-use volume. Classical Chinese contains forty selections from texts written between the fifth century BC and the first century AD, during which the classical Chinese language was fully developed and standardized. These passages, which express key themes in Chinese humor, wit, wisdom, moral conviction, and political ideals, are arranged in the order of complexity of the grammatical patterns they exemplify. Uniquely, each text is translated into both modern Chinese and English. A detailed glossary defines unfamiliar terms and names found in the first part of the textbook, and the last section features in-depth grammatical analyses, in which every sentence in the main selections is fully diagrammed to show the grammatical relations between their various parts. Corresponding exercises review and reinforce the materials. Four supplementary volumes—an introduction to grammar, readings in poetry and prose, selected historical texts, and selected philosophical texts—are separately available for use in conjunction with this basic reader. Classical Chinese provides a definitive resource for students and instructors of classical Chinese language and culture.

Enhance your Chinese language skills through literature and culture You can drill grammar, you can memorize vocabulary; but to truly fortify your Chinese skills you have to read in the language. McGraw-Hill's Classic Chinese Reader strengthens your reading comprehension skills and vocabulary through selections from Chinese literature including poetry, folklore, classic stories and novels, and modern drama. The texts are handpicked especially for the needs of students learning Chinese and are presented in both simplified characters and pinyin, so you will enjoy an authentic reading experience with less difficulty. Build your reading comprehension skills and vocabulary Add new words and phrases to your vocabulary Learn about the history, life, and culture of China

"A Classical Chinese Reader is the result of many years of teaching at the University of Sydney. When I first started teaching, there was little to help the undergraduate student embarking on the study of Classical Chinese. In response to student pleas, I started to provide vocabularies and grammatical notes and finally decided to publish my notes." --From the Preface

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

This new edition offers expanded selections from the works of Kongzi (Confucius), Mengzi (Mencius), Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu), and Xunzi (Hsun Tzu); two new works, the dialogues 'Robber Zhi' and 'White Horse'; a concise general introduction; brief introductions to, and selective bibliographies for, each work; and four appendices that shed light on important figures, periods, texts, and terms in Chinese thought.

Classical Chinese Primer is meant to be an attempt to address the urgent need in the teaching and learning of Classical Chinese. Designed for those who have studied Modern Chinese for one or two years, but who have had no exposure to Classical Chinese before, Classical Chinese Primer is in a set of two volumes: the reader itself and a workbook. The reader includes forty lessons in total, covering selected readings from ancient fables, philosophical texts, as well as historical and literary writings. Each selection is accompanied by annotations and grammar notes. The workbook contains various types of exercises which are designed to ensure that the student will gain a thorough familiarity with the texts already studied in the reader.

This book is an introduction in the very best sense of the word. It provides the beginner with an accurate, sophisticated, yet accessible account, and offers new insights and challenging perspectives to those who have more specialized knowledge. Focusing on the period in Chinese philosophy that is surely most easily approachable and perhaps is most important, it ranges over of rich set of competing options. It also, with admirable self-consciousness, presents a number of daring attempts to relate those options to philosophical figures and movements from the West. I recommend it very highly.--Lee H. Yearley, Walter Y. Evans-Wentz Professor, Religious Studies, Stanford University