Sanctioned Violence in Early China

Mark Edward Lewis is University Lecturer in Chinese Studies at the University of Cambridge.

"The interpretation of warfare is rich in providing a coherent statement on a subject poorly understood by Westerners. This book is a substantial and highly original piece of work." — Roger T. Ames"What I like most about the book is the author's mastery of the essential primary and secondary sources, and that he has marshalled these to discuss an essential theme in ancient Chinese history. The author's knowledge of the anecdotal literature is extremely good and impressive. I also like the fact that he is using materials ignored by earlier scholars as well as newly-excavated manuscripts." — Jeffrey Riegel

• Preface Introduction The Social Uses of ViolenceSanctioned Violence and the Warring States Transition 1. The Warrior Aristocracy Warfare and SacrificeThe Segmentary AristocracyWarfare and HonorBlood CovenantsConclusion 2. The Warring State Warfare and the Warring StateOaths and SacrificeVengeance and Collective PunishmentsConclusion 3. The Art of Command The Commander and TextsThe Commander and the ArmyThe Commander and BattleThe Commander and the RulerConclusion 4. Cosmic Violence The Calendar of ViolenceCosmic KickballImperial Hunts and Animal CombatsFeats of Strength and sorceryConclusion 5. The Social History of Violence The Myths of the Sage-KingsThe Yellow Emperor and his AdversariesThe Myths and the New Year FestivalsThe Violence of Beasts and MenMyths of Sacrifice and Heaven's MandateConclusion 6. The Natural Philosophy of Violence Qi in Man and NatureQi and ViolenceThe Sage CommanderThe Socialization of QiConclusion Conclusion Notes Works Cited Index