The Cambridge History of Confucianism: Volume 1, Origins to 1400 CE

This Cambridge History is the most comprehensive longue durée treatment of Confucianism to date, bringing a much needed historical perspective to this major force in art, literature, science, and politics. Volume I traces the premodern history of Confucianism in three parts, from the earliest times to the fifteenth century. Looking beyond the influence of Neo-Confucian interpretations of the tradition, the chapters provide historically grounded perspectives on Confucianism's origins and practice. They examine how Confucian thought both influenced and was influenced by historical trends across time, including interstate relations and state building, social structures, religion, gender, and the family.