Wandering Spirits: Chen Shiyuan's Encyclopedia of Dreams

For at least three millennia, China has taken dreams seriously, and Wandering Spirits is a translation and study of the most comprehensive work on dream culture in traditional China, compiled in 1562 by Chen Shiyuan. This unique treatise compiles various theories, Chen's comments, and almost seven hundred examples from literary sources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

For at least three millennia, China has held dreams in high regard. The most comprehensive work on dream culture in traditional China, Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation (Mengzhan yizhi), was compiled in 1562 by Chen Shiyuan and periodically reprinted up to the modern era. This unique treatise compiles various theories, Chen's own comments concerning the nature of dreams and their role in waking life, and almost seven hundred examples assembled from a wide range of literary sources. This annotated translation is accompanied by a full-length introduction that surveys the evolution of Chinese dream culture and the role of Chen Shiyuan and his encyclopedia.

Dreams have played a significant role in Chinese culture for centuries. The Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation, compiled by Chen Shiyuan in 1562, is a comprehensive work that explores the diverse ideas held by the educated class about dreams. This unique treatise combines various theories, Chen's personal insights, and nearly seven hundred examples drawn from a wide range of literary sources. Accompanied by an extensive introduction, this annotated translation provides a comprehensive survey of the evolution of Chinese dream culture and the significance of Chen Shiyuan and his encyclopedia.

The study of dreams has a long history in China, dating back to ancient times. The Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation, compiled by Chen Shiyuan in 1562, is a comprehensive work that explores the diverse ideas held by the educated class about dreams. This unique treatise combines various theories, Chen's personal insights, and nearly seven hundred examples drawn from a wide range of literary sources. Accompanied by an extensive introduction, this annotated translation provides a comprehensive survey of the evolution of Chinese dream culture and the significance of Chen Shiyuan and his encyclopedia.

Dreams have been a significant part of Chinese culture for centuries. The Lofty Principles of Dream Interpretation, compiled by Chen Shiyuan in 1562, is a comprehensive work that explores the diverse ideas held by the educated class about dreams. This unique treatise combines various theories, Chen's personal insights, and nearly seven hundred examples drawn from a wide range of literary sources. Accompanied by an extensive introduction, this annotated translation provides a comprehensive survey of the evolution of Chinese dream culture and the significance of Chen Shiyuan and his encyclopedia.

Weight: 468g
Dimension: 151 x 226 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520389694