Reading Ji Kang's Essays: Xuanxue in Early Medieval China

David Chai's book "Reading Ji Kang/s Essays" is the first English-language book on the philosophy of Ji Kang, offering a systematic treatment of his philosophy and exploring themes derived from classical Daoism. It provides a unique analysis that balances translation and annotation with expositing the creative philosophizing of Neo-Daoism. The book will be of interest to scholars and students of Chinese philosophy and literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking work is the first English-language book on the philosophy of Ji Kang, a prominent figure in early medieval Chinese literature and philosophy. Moreover, it offers a comprehensive systematic treatment of his philosophy, thus filling a significant gap in English-language scholarship on early medieval Chinese literature and philosophy.

In his book, David Chai delves into the Neo-Daoist heritage of Ji Kang and explores the themes in his writings that were derived from classical Daoism, particularly the importance of humanity returning to a harmonious co-existence with Nature to enhance our self-understanding. Chai's analysis stands out for its unique blend of translation and annotation with the exposition of Neo-Daoism's creative philosophizing.

Chai meticulously analyzes the entirety of Ji Kang's essays, delving into his philosophical reflections on music, aesthetics, ethics, self-cultivation, and fate. This work will be of immense interest to scholars and students of Chinese philosophy and literature. It provides the first comprehensive philosophical examination of a hitherto neglected figure in Neo-Daoism, making it a valuable addition to the field.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032073019