Objectionable Li Zhi: Fiction, Criticism, and Dissent in Late Ming China

Li Zhi was a key figure in the late Ming dynasty's cultural world, known for his provocative and controversial writings that shaped print culture, literary practice, attitudes toward gender, and perspectives on Buddhism and the afterlife. Despite being banned, his writings were never fully suppressed, as they addressed issues of vital significance to readers. This book highlights the interrelatedness of Li Zhi's thought and his far-reaching impact on his contemporaries and successors, challenging the myth that there was no tradition of dissidence in premodern China.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2021
Publisher: University of Washington Press

Li Zhi, a prominent figure in the late Ming dynasty's cultural landscape, emerged as an iconoclastic scholar whose profound and contentious ideas and actions left an indelible mark on print culture, literary practices, attitudes towards gender, and perspectives on Buddhism and the afterlife. Despite being banned, his writings managed to evade suppression, as they resonated with issues of utmost importance to countless readers across generations. Li's incisive remarks, coupled with the emotional intensity and rhetorical prowess with which he delivered them, cemented his status as an icon of his cultural era and a symbol of early modern Chinese intellectual dissent.

In this comprehensive volume, esteemed China scholars shed light on the interconnectedness of various facets of Li Zhi's thought, highlighting his profound influence on his contemporaries and subsequent generations. By challenging the notion that there was no tradition of dissidence in premodern China, these scholars provide a fresh perspective on Li's intellectual legacy.

The open access publication of this book is a testament to the commitment of the James P. Geiss and Margaret Y. Hsu Foundation to promoting scholarship and disseminating knowledge. Their generous grant has made it possible for a wider audience to engage with Li Zhi's ideas and contribute to our understanding of premodern Chinese intellectual history.

Through their meticulous research and insightful analysis, the contributors to this volume shed new light on Li Zhi's life, work, and the broader cultural context in which he operated. They explore his contributions to print culture, literary practices, and gender discourse, as well as his nuanced interpretations of Buddhism and the afterlife. By examining the ways in which Li's ideas intersected with other intellectual currents of his time, such as Confucianism and Taoism, the scholars demonstrate the richness and complexity of his thought.

Li Zhi's legacy continues to resonate in contemporary China, where his ideas continue to inspire debates and discussions about the role of intellectual dissent in shaping society. His boldness in challenging established norms and his commitment to social reform have made him a symbol of resistance and progress. This book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of early modern Chinese intellectual history.

In conclusion, Li Zhi's life and thought represent a significant chapter in the history of Chinese intellectual discourse. Through the lens of this volume, we gain a deeper understanding of his contributions to print culture, literary practices, gender dynamics, and Buddhist philosophy. By recognizing the interconnectedness of his ideas and the broader cultural context in which he operated, we can appreciate the enduring impact of his intellectual dissent on Chinese society.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295748382