Wilt L. Idema's Books

The Generals of the Yang Family

Four Early Plays

By: Wilt L. Idema,Stephen H. West

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Generals of the Yang Family

Four Early Plays

By: Wilt L. Idema,Stephen H. West

This book offers a complete translation of four early plays of the Yang Family Generals. The story of the Yang Family Generals, particularly its female generals, was a perennial favorite on the Chinese stage in the 19th and 20th centuries. In detailing the role of this military family in the Song-Khitan wars of the late 10th and early 11th centuries, these four plays are all in the form of zaju, a type of play that originated in the 13th century. These plays are from the 15th and 16th centuries and allow a glimpse into earlier renditions of the Yang Family saga, which is a decidedly more male-centered tradition than that performed in the Qing dynasty. This volume offers the only complete English-language translation of these early plays. These plays allow access to the earliest phase in the development of the Yang Family saga. The plays provide information on the staging of large battle scenes on the stage and have considerable literary and cultural value.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

267

Publisher

World Scientific

Published Date

ISBN 10

9814508691

ISBN 13

9789814508698

A Guide to Chinese Literature

By: Wilt Idema,Lloyd Haft

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

A Guide to Chinese Literature

By: Wilt Idema,Lloyd Haft

Selected for Choice's list of Outstanding Academic Books for 1997. A comprehensive overview of China's 3,000 years of literary history, from its beginnings to the present day. After an introductory section discussing the concept of literature and other features of traditional Chinese society crucial to understanding its writings, the second part is broken into five major time periods (earliest times to 100 c.e.; 100-1000; 1000-1875; 1875-1915; and 1915 to the present) corresponding to changes in book production. The development of the major literary genres is traced in each of these periods. The reference section in the cloth edition includes an annotated bibliography of more than 120 pages; the paper edition has a shorter bibliography and is intended for classroom use.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

393

Publisher

University of Michigan Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0892641231

ISBN 13

9780892641239

The Red Brush

Writing Women of Imperial China

By: Wilt L. Idema,Beata Grant

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Red Brush

Writing Women of Imperial China

By: Wilt L. Idema,Beata Grant

One of the most exciting recent developments in the study of Chinese literature has been the rediscovery of an extremely rich and diverse tradition of women’s writing of the imperial period (221 B.C.E.–1911 C.E.). Many of these writings are of considerable literary quality. Others provide us with moving insights into the lives and feelings of a surprisingly diverse group of women living in Confucian China, a society that perhaps more than any other is known for its patriarchal tradition. Because of the burgeoning interest in the study of both premodern and modern women in China, several scholarly books, articles, and even anthologies of women’s poetry have been published in the last two decades. This anthology differs from previous works by offering a glimpse of women’s writings not only in poetry but in other genres as well, including essays and letters, drama, religious writing, and narrative fiction. The authors have presented the selections within their respective biographical and historical contexts. This comprehensive approach helps to clarify traditional Chinese ideas on the nature and function of literature as well as on the role of the woman writer.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

958

Publisher

BRILL

Published Date

ISBN 10

1684173949

ISBN 13

9781684173945

Generals Of The Yang Family, The: Four Early Plays

By: Wilt Lukas Idema,Stephen H West

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Generals Of The Yang Family, The: Four Early Plays

By: Wilt Lukas Idema,Stephen H West

This book offers a complete translation of four early plays of the Yang Family Generals. The story of the Yang Family Generals, particularly its female generals, was a perennial favorite on the Chinese stage in the 19th and 20th centuries. In detailing the role of this military family in the Song-Khitan wars of the late 10th and early 11th centuries, these four plays are all in the form of zaju, a type of play that originated in the 13th century. These plays are from the 15th and 16th centuries and allow a glimpse into earlier renditions of the Yang Family saga, which is a decidedly more male-centered tradition than that performed in the Qing dynasty.This volume offers the only complete English-language translation of these early plays. These plays allow access to the earliest phase in the development of the Yang Family saga. The plays provide information on the staging of large battle scenes on the stage and have considerable literary and cultural value.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

267

Publisher

World Scientific

Published Date

ISBN 10

9814508705

ISBN 13

9789814508704

The Immortal Maiden Equal to Heaven and Other Precious Scrolls from Western Gansu

By: Wilt L. Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Immortal Maiden Equal to Heaven and Other Precious Scrolls from Western Gansu

By: Wilt L. Idema

Following thirty years of suppression as feudal superstition, Chinese popular religion has made a spectacular comeback since the 1980s. One aspect of this phenomenon has been the return of precious scrolls as ritual and entertainment in several regions of China, most notably the economically advanced Wu-dialect area and the poor countryside of Western Gansu. As these texts were performed once again, they have been collected, edited, and published as part of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage. These materials greatly broaden and deepen our knowledge of popular literature, ritual, and religion and open a new window into the values and customs of local society. The texts also offer unique insights into the history of the region as seen through the eyes of the local population who had to confront the harsh environment and frequent incursions of nomadic groups. Given the wealth of knowledge to be gained, it is not surprising that these materials are attracting the growing attention of scholars. The Immortal Maiden Equal to Heaven and Other Precious Scrolls from Western Gansu by eminent Sinologist Wilt Idema is thus a significant foray into the area. This unprecedented book provides complete and annotated translations of six precious scrolls that have never before been translated. An insightful and helpful introduction precedes each translation. The study includes a general survey of the development, origin, context, and popularity of the narrative and concludes with a discussion of available modern editions.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

546

Publisher

Cambria Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

1621967182

ISBN 13

9781621967187

Judge Bao and the Rule of Law

Eight Ballad-stories from the Period 1250-1450

By: Wilt L. Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Judge Bao and the Rule of Law

Eight Ballad-stories from the Period 1250-1450

By: Wilt L. Idema

Pure, orthodox and incorruptible, Judge Bao has been serving as the preeminent embodiment of justice in China for almost a thousand years, so much so his court case have been adapted as stories, novels and plays over the centuries. Now, for the very first time a series of eight ballad-stories on Judge Bao, dating from the period 1250ndash;1450, are offered in a complete and annotated translation. These texts will provide the reader a complete reflection of the legend of Judge Bao in its earliest phase of development, with an extended introduction placing the ballad-stories in context with the development of the Judge Bao legend. These ballad-stories, in contrast to past plays dating from the same period, present abuse of power and corruption as endemic in the courts and bureaucratic service, and show Judge Bao imposing the rule of law even on the emperor.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

454

Publisher

World Scientific

Published Date

ISBN 10

9814277010

ISBN 13

9789814277013

The Resurrected Skeleton

From Zhuangzi to Lu Xun

By: Wilt L. Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Resurrected Skeleton

From Zhuangzi to Lu Xun

By: Wilt L. Idema

The early Chinese text Master Zhuang (Zhuangzi) is well known for its relativistic philosophy and colorful anecdotes. In the work, Zhuang Zhou ca. 300 B.C.E.) dreams that he is a butterfly and wonders, upon awaking, if he in fact dreamed that he was a butterfly or if the butterfly is now dreaming that it is Zhuang Zhou. The text also recounts Master Zhuang's encounter with a skull, which praises the pleasures of death over the toil of living. This anecdote became popular with Chinese poets of the second and third century C.E. and found renewed significance with the founders of Quanzhen Daoism in the twelfth century. The Quanzhen masters transformed the skull into a skeleton and treated the object as a metonym for death and a symbol of the refusal of enlightenment. Later preachers made further revisions, adding Master Zhuang's resurrection of the skeleton, a series of accusations made by the skeleton against the philosopher, and the enlightenment of the magistrate who judges their case. The legend of the skeleton was widely popular throughout the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), and the fiction writer Lu Xun (1881–1936) reimagined it in the modern era. The first book in English to trace the development of the legend and its relationship to centuries of change in Chinese philosophy and culture, The Resurrected Skeleton translates and contextualizes the story's major adaptations and draws parallels with the Muslim legend of Jesus's encounter with a skull and the European tradition of the Dance of Death. Translated works include versions of the legend in the form of popular ballads and plays, together with Lu Xun's short story of the 1930s, underlining the continuity between traditional and modern Chinese culture.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

345

Publisher

Columbia University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0231536518

ISBN 13

9780231536516

The Metamorphosis of Tianxian pei

Local Opera under the Revolution (1949–1956)

By: Wilt L Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Metamorphosis of Tianxian pei

Local Opera under the Revolution (1949–1956)

By: Wilt L Idema

This volume is the most extensive social and cultural history of twentiethcentury Huangmei Opera to date. A regional Chinese theater originating in the Anqing countryside, Huangmei Opera gained popularity with the success of the 1950s play and movie, Tianxian pei 天仙配 (Married to a Heavenly Immortal). Through a case study of this work, the author juxtaposes the complex process of rewriting and revising the play and movie against the rapidly changing cultural and ideological climate of the Communist theater reform movement. As a result, the traditional theme of filial piety becomes a struggle over class and free love. This volume features a full translation of the original play and its revision in the 1950s, as well as selected articles by scriptwriters, directors, performers, and critics. These primary sources allow readers to gain access to inside views of the contemporaries and their political and artistic concerns. "Wilt Idema is one of the most important scholars in Chinese literary and cultural studies. Few in the academia can emulate him in both the spectrum of specializations and the depth of scholarship. From Yuan drama to Ming fiction, and traditional folk culture to modern performing arts, Idema’s work demonstrates a Sinologist's dedication, erudition, and originality at its best. Tianxian pei is arguably the most popular play in midtwentieth century China. In his book, Idema discusses the play’s roots and ramifications, its incarnations in multiple genes and medial forms, and its significance in modern Chinese cultural politics. His critical insight is illuminating and his translational expertise impeccable. The Metamorphosis of Tianxian pei is a major contribution to the studies of Chinese folklore, literature, theatre, and media." by David Derwei Wang, Harvard University

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

356

Publisher

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

9629965933

ISBN 13

9789629965938

Heroines of Jiangyong

Chinese narrative ballads in women’s script

By: Wilt L. Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Heroines of Jiangyong

Chinese narrative ballads in women’s script

By: Wilt L. Idema

Heroines of Jiangyong is the first English translation of a set of verse narratives recorded in the unique women's script (nushu) of rural Jiangyong County, Hunan, in southern China. This selection of Chinese folk literature provides a rare window into the everyday life of rural daughters, wives, and mothers, as they transmit valuable lessons about surviving in a patriarchal society that is often harsh and unforgiving. Featuring strong female protagonists, the ballads deal with moral issues, dangers women face outside the family home, and the difficulties of childbirth. The women's script, which represents units of sound in the local Chinese dialect, was discovered by scholars in the late twentieth century, creating a stir in China and abroad. This volume offers a full translation of all the longer ballads in women's script, providing an exceptional opportunity to observe which specific narratives appealed to rural women in traditional China. The translations are preceded by a brief introduction to women's script and its scholarship, and a discussion of each of the twelve selections.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

196

Publisher

University of Washington Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0295988428

ISBN 13

9780295988429

Passion, Poverty And Travel: Traditional Hakka Songs And Ballads

By: Wilt Lukas Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Passion, Poverty And Travel: Traditional Hakka Songs And Ballads

By: Wilt Lukas Idema

Translations from Chinese popular literature of the late-imperial and early republican periods are still very rare, and selections that are devoted to a specific genre or dialect rarer still. These translations of traditional Hakka popular literature are not only a contribution to a broader knowledge of traditional Chinese folk literature, but also contribute to the study of Hakka culture as reflected in these racy songs and exciting narratives.This book is the first extensive selection in English of traditional Hakka mountain songs (shange) and long narrative ballads in various genres. One chapter is devoted to songs and ballads on Hakka migration to Taiwan and Southeast Asia in 18th to 20th centuries. The selection of mountain songs is primarily based on a collection compiled before 1949. The ballads selected focus on texts that were widely popular in late-Qing and early Republican times, but post-Liberation performances and new compositions have been included for contrast. All translations are provided with an introduction and annotations.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

462

Publisher

World Scientific

Published Date

ISBN 10

1938134672

ISBN 13

9781938134678

Passion, Poverty And Travel: Traditional Hakka Songs And Ballads

By: Wilt Lukas Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Passion, Poverty And Travel: Traditional Hakka Songs And Ballads

By: Wilt Lukas Idema

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

462

Publisher

World Scientific

Published Date

ISBN 10

1938134672

ISBN 13

9781938134678

The Resurrected Skeleton

From Zhuangzi to Lu Xun

By: Wilt L. Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Resurrected Skeleton

From Zhuangzi to Lu Xun

By: Wilt L. Idema

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

345

Publisher

Columbia University Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0231536518

ISBN 13

9780231536516

The Metamorphosis of Tianxian pei

Local Opera under the Revolution (1949–1956)

By: Wilt L Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Metamorphosis of Tianxian pei

Local Opera under the Revolution (1949–1956)

By: Wilt L Idema

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

356

Publisher

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

9629965933

ISBN 13

9789629965938

The Butterfly Lovers

The Legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai: Four Versions with Related Texts

By: Wilt L. Idema

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Butterfly Lovers

The Legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai: Four Versions with Related Texts

By: Wilt L. Idema

The late-imperial legend of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, the "Butterfly Lovers"--a story as central to Chinese culture as Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is to Western culture--also relates a tale of two lovers help apart by social strictures. To audiences of the many Chinese ballads, plays, and films based on the story, the tragic ending offers proof that equality and happiness can only be achieved in a China freed from the traditional family system. This volume offers translations of the earliest versions of the popular ballad along with later literary reinventions of the tale; a variety of related documents reveal the historical and cultural origins of the legend. In his Introduction, Wilt L. Idema provides essential contextual information and discusses how the story of the Butterfly Lovers fits into modern Chinese concepts of gender roles and sexual freedom.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

258

Publisher

Hackett Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1603843744

ISBN 13

9781603843744

Book's by Wilt L. Idema

The Generals of the Yang Family

The Generals of the Yang Family

A Guide to Chinese Literature

A Guide to Chinese Literature

The Red Brush

The Red Brush

Generals Of The Yang Family, The: Four Early Plays

Generals Of The Yang Family, The: Four Early Plays

The Immortal Maiden Equal to Heaven and Other Precious Scrolls from Western Gansu

The Immortal Maiden Equal to Heaven and Other Precious Scrolls from Western Gansu

Judge Bao and the Rule of Law

Judge Bao and the Rule of Law

The Resurrected Skeleton

The Resurrected Skeleton

The Metamorphosis of Tianxian pei

The Metamorphosis of Tianxian pei

Heroines of Jiangyong

Heroines of Jiangyong

Passion, Poverty And Travel: Traditional Hakka Songs And Ballads

Passion, Poverty And Travel: Traditional Hakka Songs And Ballads

Passion, Poverty And Travel: Traditional Hakka Songs And Ballads

Passion, Poverty And Travel: Traditional Hakka Songs And Ballads

The Resurrected Skeleton

The Resurrected Skeleton

The Metamorphosis of Tianxian pei

The Metamorphosis of Tianxian pei

The Butterfly Lovers

The Butterfly Lovers

Username

Password

Username

Password

Password again

Birthday

Email