Confucianism in China

Confucianism in China is the latest and, in my mind, the best introductory volume out there ... * Religious Studies Review * A richly nuanced study of the Confucian tradition in China from its beginning to its most recent manifestations, raising, answering and raising again the multifaceted question of the tradition's religious character by building a deeply sensitive understanding of the religiously transformative character of the tradition over and above the usual connotations of our word religion. A must read for students and scholars of religion and East Asian studies for its capacity to unfold the many Confucianism's within the human experience of religious character. -- Rodney Taylor, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies, University of Colorado Boulder, USA Confucianism in China: An Introduction is a highly readable and rounded survey of Confucianism's intellectual history from its inception in ancient China to modern times, highlighting not only the debate over whether or not it should be viewed as a religion, but also the recent revival of the tradition's influence on Chinese culture after notable challenges to its contemporary relevance. This overview provides insightful explanations of key concepts, values, and practices as they arose, were debated, and developed at seminal moments in the tradition's long and rich history. Highly recommended for classroom use. -- Judson B. Murray, Associate Professor of Religion, Wright State University, USA Tackling the many questions about Confucianism that have confounded the West since the Jesuits first discovered this tradition in the 16th century, Tony Swain's Confucianism In China: An Introduction is a magisterial study, the first English-language book-length work that gives order and sense to the entire tradition of Confucianism from its mythological origins to the present day. -- Thomas Michael, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Beijing Normal University, China