Essays of a Recluse

"The Qianfulun is a collection of 36 essays that helps us to understand the Eastern Han, especially as it covers a fascinating array of subjects ranging from critiques of contemporary religious practices, such as shamanism, divination and dream interpretation, to social criticism targeting contemporary problems such as conspicuous consumption, the corruption of office holders, and the status of women and marriage practices. Wang Fu, who lived in the northwest, also writes about China's military presence on its frontiers, explores problems and solutions for the selection of worthy governmental officials, and analyzes contemporary views of cosmology and moral philosophy. As the son of a concubine who possessed neither wealth nor powerful social connections, Wang Fu provides a rare view of Han culture from the fringes of elite society. Available in full for the first time to English-language readers, the Qianfulun is a treasure trove of information about daily life and politics during the Eastern Han"--