Machine generated contents note: -- Acknowledgements -- Note on Editions, Commentaries, and Translation -- Chronology of Chinese Dynasties -- Essential Classic Chinese Terms with Corresponding English Translation -- Introduction: Uncovering the Confucian Four Books for Women: Why Nu sishu? Why Now? -- I. The Han Women: Ban Zhao and the Lessons for Women (c. 45-117) -- Introduction -- Wang Xiang's Biographic Introduction of Ban Zhao -- Original Preface to This Work by Ban Zhao -- Chapter 1 The Lowly and the Weak -- Chapter 2 Husband and Wife -- Chapter 3 Respect and Compliance -- Chapter 4 Women's Conduct -- Chapter 5 One-Mindedness -- Chapter 6 Conceding Obedience -- Chapter 7 Harmony with Younger Brothers-and-Sisters-in-Law -- II. The Tang Women: The Song Sisters and the Analects for Women (?-820/825) -- Introduction -- Wang Xiang's Biographic Introduction of the Song Sisters -- Original Preface to This Work by the Song Sisters -- Chapter 1 Establishing One's Person -- Chapter 2 Learning the Work -- Chapter 3 Learning the Rituals -- Chapter 4 Rising Early -- Chapter 5 Serving One's Parents -- Chapter 6 Serving Parents-in-Law -- Chapter 7 Serving One's Husband -- Chapter 8 Instructing Boys and Girls -- Chapter 9 Managing the Household -- Chapter 10 Hosting Guests -- Chapter 11 Harmony and Gentleness -- Chapter 12 Guarding One's Integrity -- III. The Ming Imperial Women: Empresses Renxiaowen and the Teachings for the Inner Court (1361-1407) -- Introduction -- Wang Xiang's Biographic Introduction of Empress Renxiaowen -- Original Preface to this Work by Empress Renxiaowen -- Chapter 1 Virtuous Nature -- Chapter 2 Self-Cultivation -- Chapter 3 Prudent Speech -- Chapter 4 Careful Conduct -- Chapter 5 Diligence -- Chapter 6 Frugality -- Chapter 7 Watchfulness -- Chapter 8 Accumulating Good Deeds -- Chapter 9 Becoming Good -- Chapter 10 Revering Sagely Teachings -- Chapter 11 Admiring Wise Role Models -- Chapter 12 Serving One's Parents -- Chapter 13 Serving One's Ruler -- Chapter 14 On Serving Parents-in-Law -- Chapter 15 Performing Religious Rites -- Chapter 16 Model Motherhood -- Chapter 17 Friendly Relationship with Family Clans -- Chapter 18 Benevolent Love for the Young -- Chapter 19 Treating Imperial Concubines -- Chapter 20 Treating Imperial Consorts' Maternal Relatives -- IV. The Ming Women: Madame Liu and the Short Records of Models for Women (c. 16th century) -- Introduction -- Wang Xiang's Biographic Introduction of His Mother, Madame Liu -- Chapter 1 Unifying Thesis -- Chapter 2 Queenly Virtues -- Chapter 3 Model Motherhood -- Chapter 4 Filial Conduct -- Chapter 5 Chastity and Ardency -- Chapter 6 Loyalty and Righteousness -- Chapter 7 Benevolent Love -- Chapter 8 Upholding Ritual Propriety -- Chapter 9 Wisdom -- Chapter 10 Diligence and Frugality -- Chapter 11 Talent and Virtue -- Appendix: Liu Xiang's Biographies of Women vis-a-vis Wang Xiang's Four Books for Women: Comparative Timelines and Categories of Women's Virtue -- Bibliography -- Index.
Summary:
"This volume brings the first English translation of the Confucian classics Four Books for Women, with extensive commentaries, to the English-speaking world. Written by women for women's education, this work provides an invaluable look at the tradition of Chinese women's writing, education, history, and philosophy, from the 1st to the 16th century"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.