Bryan W. Van Norden

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. Classical Chinese for Everyone offers an unparalleled introduction to this fascinating subject, creating a roadmap that...

The third edition of Ivanhoe and Van Norden's acclaimed anthology builds on the strengths of previous editions with the addition of new selections for each chapter: selections from Shen Dao; a new translation of the writings of Han Feizi; selections from two texts, highly influential in later Chinese philosophy, the Great Learning and Mean; and a complete translation of the...

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 specialised knowledge. Focusing on the period in Chinese philosophy that is surely most easily approachable and perhaps most important, it ranges over a rich...