{"title":"Series: The Mandel Lectures in the Humanities at","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Mandel Lectures in the Humanities at\u003c\/strong\u003e offers a rich exploration of diverse fields, inviting readers to engage with thought-provoking ideas across philosophy, psychology, business, history, and more. Each title combines scholarly insight with accessible prose, making complex subjects like value investing, altruism, and security certification approachable yet profound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom journeys through culture and health to practical guides in technology and finance, this series provokes curiosity and critical thinking. Whether delving into historic narratives, entrepreneurial strategies, or mindful living, readers will find a collection that stimulates both the intellect and imagination.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"why-fiction-matters-in-contemporary-china-by-david-derwei-wang-9781684580279","title":"Why Fiction Matters in Contemporary China","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContemporary discussions of China tend to focus on politics and economics, giving Chinese culture little if any attention. \u003cem\u003eWhy Fiction Matters in Contemporary China\u003c\/em\u003e offers a corrective, revealing the crucial role that fiction plays in helping contemporary Chinese citizens understand themselves and their nation. Where history fails to address the consequences of man-made and natural atrocities, David Der-Wei Wang argues, fiction arises to bear witness to the immemorial and unforeseeable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeginning by examining President Xi Jinping's call in 2013 to \"tell the good China story,\" Wang illuminates how contemporary Chinese cultural politics have taken a \"fictional turn,\" which can trace its genealogy to early modern times. He does so by addressing a series of discourses by critics within China, including Liang Qichao, Lu Xun, and Shen Congwen, as well as critics from the West such as Arendt, Benjamin, and Deleuze. Wang highlights the variety and vitality of fictional works from China as well as the larger Sinophone world, ranging from science fiction to political allegory, erotic escapade to utopia and dystopia. The result is an insightful account of contemporary China, one that affords countless new insights and avenues for understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47471939485932,"sku":"9781684580279","price":66.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781684580279-why-fiction-matters-in-contemporary-china.jpg?v=1775263500"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/series-the-mandel-lectures-in-the-humanities-at.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}