The Shape of the Turtle: Myth, Art, and Cosmos in Early China

by Sarah Allan

Overview

Many Chinese philosophic concepts derive from an ancient cosmology. This work is the first reconstructions of the mythic thought of the Shang Dynasty (ca. 1700- 1100 B.C.) which laid the foundation for later Chinese patterns of thought. Allan regards the myth, cosmology, divination, sacrificial ritual, and art of the Shang as different manifestations of a common religious system and each is examined in turn, building up a coherent and consistent picture. Although primarily concerned with the Shang, this work also describes the manner in which Shang thought was transformed in the later textual tradition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780791494493
Publisher:	State University of New York Press
Publication date:	02/21/1991
Series:	SUNY series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	248
File size:	422 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Sarah Allan is Lecturer in Chinese at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University. Her previous books include The Heir and the Sage: Dynastic Legend in Early China; Legend, Lore and Religion in China: Essays in Honor of Wolfram Eberhard on his Seventieth Birthday (edited with Alvin P. Cohen), and Oracle Bone Collections in Great Britain (with Li Xueqin and Qi Wenxin).

Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

I. Introduction to the Shang

II. Sons of Suns

III. From Myth to History

IV. The Shape of the Cosmos

V. Divination and Sacrifice

VI. Art and Meaning

VII. Conclusion

Notes

Oracle Bone and Bronze inscription collections cited by an abbreviation

Select Bibliography

Editorial Reviews

Reconstructs the mythic thought of the Shang Dynasty (ca. 1700-1100 B.C.) and how it has contributed to later Chinese philosophy. Considers the myth, cosmology, divination, sacrificial ritual, and art as different manifestations of a common religious system, and examines each in turn to build up a coherent picture. Paper edition (unseen), $16.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"Allan's study will prove to be as invaluable as it is innovative." — Harold D. Roth

From the Publisher