The Civilization of China By: Herbert Allen Giles (1845-1935)
The Civilization of China by Herbert Allen Giles offers an in-depth exploration of China's rich history, culture, and traditions. In this meticulously researched work, Giles takes readers on a journey through the foundations and growth of one of the world's oldest civilizations. The book begins with an informative introduction that outlines the historical context, enabling readers to grasp the significance of China's remarkable civilization. Giles delves into the cultural and philosophical developments, highlighting the influential figures and ideologies that have shaped China's identity. One of the book's strongest points is its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of Chinese culture. Giles elucidates on topics such as literature, education, art, religion, and governance, providing readers with a holistic understanding of the Chinese way of life. He examines the impact of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism on society and offers insights into the everyday practices and customs that continue to influence Chinese people today. Moreover, Giles skillfully weaves together historical events and narratives, offering a fascinating look at China's political landscape across different dynasties. Through his narrative style, he engages readers with tales of emperors, wars, and diplomacy, showcasing the complex dynamics of power at play throughout Chinese history. The author's expertise in the Chinese language shines through in the book's linguistic analysis. Giles provides translations and explanations of Chinese characters, allowing readers to delve deeper into the linguistic intricacies of the Chinese writing system. This component adds an extra layer of richness to the text, making it an invaluable resource for those interested in the language itself. While the book provides a comprehensive overview of China's civilization, a potential drawback is its occasional reliance on dated sources. Published over a century ago, some of the information may not reflect the latest research findings or contemporary perspectives. However, this is a minor limitation considering the historical context in which Giles wrote the book. In conclusion, The Civilization of China is a captivating exploration of the complexities and enduring qualities of China's ancient civilization. Giles's meticulous research, insightful analysis, and engaging storytelling make this book an essential read for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history, culture, and its enduring impact on the world. First Page: THE CIVILIZATION OF CHINA by Herbert A. Giles Professor of Chinese in the University of Cambridge, And sometime H.B.M. Consul at Ningpo PREFACE The aim of this work is to suggest a rough outline of Chinese civilization from the earliest times down to the present period of rapid and startling transition. It has been written, primarily, for readers who know little or nothing of China, in the hope that it may succeed in alluring them to a wider and more methodical survey. H.A.G. Cambridge, May 12, 1911. THE CIVILIZATION OF CHINA CHAPTER I THE FEUDAL AGE It is a very common thing now a days to meet people who are going to "China," which can be reached by the Siberian railway in fourteen or fifteen days. This brings us at once to the question What is meant by the term China? Taken in its widest sense, the term includes Mongolia, Manchuria, Eastern Turkestan, Tibet, and the Eighteen Provinces, the whole being equivalent to an area of some five million square miles, that is, considerably more than twice the size of the United States of America. But for a study of manners and customs and modes of thought of the Chinese people, we must confine ourselves to that portion of the whole which is known to the Chinese as the "Eighteen Provinces," and to us as China Proper... Continue reading book >>

The Civilization of China By: Herbert Allen Giles (1845-1935)

The Civilization of China by Herbert Allen Giles offers an in-depth exploration of China's rich history, culture, and traditions. In this meticulously researched work, Giles takes readers on a journey through the foundations and growth of one of the world's oldest civilizations.

The book begins with an informative introduction that outlines the historical context, enabling readers to grasp the significance of China's remarkable civilization. Giles delves into the cultural and philosophical developments, highlighting the influential figures and ideologies that have shaped China's identity.

One of the book's strongest points is its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of Chinese culture. Giles elucidates on topics such as literature, education, art, religion, and governance, providing readers with a holistic understanding of the Chinese way of life. He examines the impact of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism on society and offers insights into the everyday practices and customs that continue to influence Chinese people today.

Moreover, Giles skillfully weaves together historical events and narratives, offering a fascinating look at China's political landscape across different dynasties. Through his narrative style, he engages readers with tales of emperors, wars, and diplomacy, showcasing the complex dynamics of power at play throughout Chinese history.

The author's expertise in the Chinese language shines through in the book's linguistic analysis. Giles provides translations and explanations of Chinese characters, allowing readers to delve deeper into the linguistic intricacies of the Chinese writing system. This component adds an extra layer of richness to the text, making it an invaluable resource for those interested in the language itself.

While the book provides a comprehensive overview of China's civilization, a potential drawback is its occasional reliance on dated sources. Published over a century ago, some of the information may not reflect the latest research findings or contemporary perspectives. However, this is a minor limitation considering the historical context in which Giles wrote the book.

In conclusion, The Civilization of China is a captivating exploration of the complexities and enduring qualities of China's ancient civilization. Giles's meticulous research, insightful analysis, and engaging storytelling make this book an essential read for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese history, culture, and its enduring impact on the world.

First Page:

THE CIVILIZATION OF CHINA

by Herbert A. Giles

Professor of Chinese in the University of Cambridge,

And sometime H.B.M. Consul at Ningpo

PREFACE

The aim of this work is to suggest a rough outline of Chinese civilization from the earliest times down to the present period of rapid and startling transition.

It has been written, primarily, for readers who know little or nothing of China, in the hope that it may succeed in alluring them to a wider and more methodical survey.

H.A.G.

Cambridge, May 12, 1911.

THE CIVILIZATION OF CHINA

CHAPTER I THE FEUDAL AGE

It is a very common thing now a days to meet people who are going to "China," which can be reached by the Siberian railway in fourteen or fifteen days. This brings us at once to the question What is meant by the term China?

Taken in its widest sense, the term includes Mongolia, Manchuria, Eastern Turkestan, Tibet, and the Eighteen Provinces, the whole being equivalent to an area of some five million square miles, that is, considerably more than twice the size of the United States of America. But for a study of manners and customs and modes of thought of the Chinese people, we must confine ourselves to that portion of the whole which is known to the Chinese as the "Eighteen Provinces," and to us as China Proper... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
History

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