In "The Chinese Classics — Prolegomena," James Legge delves into the profound world of Chinese literature with an insightful and comprehensive analysis. Drawing on his extensive understanding of Chinese culture and language, Legge offers readers an invaluable introduction to the foundations of Chinese thought.
From the very beginning, Legge's command over the subject matter is evident. He carefully traces the historical development of Chinese classics, shedding light on their origins and evolution, urging readers to understand their significance within Chinese society. By exploring texts such as the "Book of Changes" and the "Book of History," Legge elucidates the importance of these timeless works, not only as literary masterpieces but also as historical and philosophical repositories.
Furthermore, what truly sets this book apart is Legge's meticulous translation work. His commitment to accuracy and fidelity shines through, as he painstakingly renders Chinese texts into English while retaining their essence. This offers non-native Chinese readers a rare opportunity to engage with these seminal works, transcending linguistic barriers and experiencing the intricate beauty of the Chinese Classics firsthand.
Throughout the book, Legge's erudition is evident, and his lucid prose effortlessly guides readers through complex concepts. He adeptly presents various interpretations and commentaries, providing an enriching exploration of different schools of thought that surround the Chinese Classics. Furthermore, Legge himself contributes his well-informed analysis, offering valuable insights and helping readers navigate the intricacies of these ancient texts.
One cannot overlook the historical significance of "The Chinese Classics — Prolegomena." Originally published in the late 19th century, this seminal work is a testament to Legge's scholarly contributions to Western understanding of Chinese culture. The book's enduring relevance lies in its ability to bridge the cultural divide between East and West, inviting readers from different backgrounds to explore the rich intellectual heritage of China.
However, it is crucial to note that this book may be more suited for those with a preexisting interest in Chinese literature and philosophy. The depth and scholarly nature of "The Chinese Classics — Prolegomena" may appear daunting to those unfamiliar with the subject matter. Nevertheless, for readers willing to invest their time and effort, the rewards are plentiful, offering profound insights into the foundations of Chinese thought and culture.
In conclusion, James Legge's "The Chinese Classics — Prolegomena" is an exceptional work that serves as a gateway to the vast world of Chinese literature and philosophy. A testament to Legge's expertise and dedication, this book provides readers with a solid foundation in the Chinese Classics, making it an essential resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and thought.
First Page:
A note from the digitizerThis is a text file that can be read on any computer with any Chinese capable word processor or text editor. If you have the Big 5 character set for Chinese installed, choosing that set from your font menu will display the Chinese characters properly. Even if Chinese is not installed on your computer, the English will be displayed properly, even though the Chinese will appear as garbage characters.
This digitized version preserves the original page breaks. The text of each page is followed by its footnotes. Note reference numbers in the text are enclosed in square brackets. In this text version, all diacriticals have been omitted.
In a few places I have substituted the character forms available in the Big 5 character set for rare or (what are now considered) nonstandard forms used by Legge. Characters not included in the Big 5 character set in any form are described by their constituent elements.
This file contains only the Prolegomena; the other parts of Legge's work are in separate files.
THE CHINESE CLASSICS
with a translation, critical and exegetical notes, prolegomena, and copious indexes
by
James Legge
IN FIVE VOLUMES
CONFUCIAN ANALECTS THE GREAT LEARNING THE DOCTRINE OF THE MEAN
PROLEGOMENA.
CHAPTER I. OF THE CHINESE CLASSICS GENERALLY... Continue reading book >>
