The Halberd at Red Cliff

The Halberd at Red Cliff
Author: Xiaofei Tian
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 472
Release: 2020-10-26
Genre: History
ISBN: 1684170923
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"The turn of the third century CE—known as the Jian’an era or Three Kingdoms period—holds double significance for the Chinese cultural tradition. Its writings laid the foundation of classical poetry and literary criticism. Its historical personages and events have also inspired works of poetry, fiction, drama, film, and art throughout Chinese history, including Internet fantasy literature today. There is a vast body of secondary literature on these two subjects individually, but very little on their interface. The image of the Jian’an era, with its feasting, drinking, heroism, and literary panache, as well as intense male friendship, was to return time and again in the romanticized narrative of the Three Kingdoms. How did Jian’an bifurcate into two distinct nostalgias, one of which was the first paradigmatic embodiment of wen (literary graces, cultural patterning), and the other of wu (heroic martial virtue)? How did these largely segregated nostalgias negotiate with one another? And how is the predominantly male world of the Three Kingdoms appropriated by young women in contemporary China? The Halberd at Red Cliff investigates how these associations were closely related in their complex origins and then came to be divergent in their later metamorphoses."

From Red Cliffs to Chosin: the Chinese Way Of War

From Red Cliffs to Chosin: the Chinese Way Of War
Author: Major James G. Pangelinan
Publisher: Pickle Partners Publishing
Total Pages: 179
Release: 2015-11-06
Genre: History
ISBN: 178289988X
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This monograph examines Chinese warfare and suggests that three and a half millennia of Chinese military history have produced a distinctive and enduring Chinese Way Of War. While the art and science of war in China have evolved considerably throughout its history, the characteristics and philosophies of its style of warfare contain some propensities that endure from antiquity to the present. They are: The Chinese military orientation focuses more on the strategic and operational levels of war than the tactical. The Chinese prefer strategic maneuver warfare to attritional or other forms of warfare. Chinese warfare emphasizes the importance of shaping operations, the arrangement of the conditions of the war, campaign, or battlefield in one’s favor before initiating combat. Finally, deception and unorthodox warfare play a leading role in Chinese martial philosophy and conduct of war. These four propensities of the Chinese way of war are general trends that emerge when the entire span of Chinese warfare is broadly considered. Rooted in the philosophy and theories of the great military classics of ancient Chinese, these propensities provide continuities in the war fighting styles, traditions, and preferences of Chinese armies throughout history. While none of the four propensities of Chinese warfare are practiced by China alone, when aggregated they form a broad approach to war fighting that is unlike that of any other country in the world. The distinctiveness of the Chinese way of war is a product of China’s unique cultural traditions, religious and social philosophies, and historical evolution.

Three Kingdoms

Three Kingdoms
Author: Guanzhong Luo
Publisher: University of California Press
Total Pages: 477
Release: 2020-05-12
Genre: Literary Collections
ISBN: 0520344553
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“A material epic with an astonishing fidelity to history."—New York Times Book Review Three Kingdoms tells the story of the fateful last reign of the Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220), when the Chinese empire was divided into three warring kingdoms. Writing some twelve hundred years later, the Ming author Luo Guanzhong drew on histories, dramas, and poems portraying the crisis to fashion a sophisticated, compelling narrative that has become the Chinese national epic. This abridged edition captures the novel's intimate and unsparing view of how power is wielded, how diplomacy is conducted, and how wars are planned and fought. As important for Chinese culture as the Homeric epics have been for the West, this Ming dynasty masterpiece continues to be widely influential in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam and remains a great work of world literature.

Three Kingdoms and Chinese Culture

Three Kingdoms and Chinese Culture
Author: Kimberly Besio
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2012-02-01
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0791480496
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This is the first book-length treatment in English of Three Kingdoms (Sanguo yanyi), often regarded as China's first great classical novel. Set in the historical period of the disunion (220–280 AD), Three Kingdoms fuses history and popular tradition to create a sweeping epic of heroism and political ambition. The essays in this volume explore the multifarious connections between Three Kingdoms and Chinese culture from a variety of disciplines, including history, literature, philosophy, art history, theater, cultural studies, and communications, demonstrating the diversity of backgrounds against which this novel can be studied. Some of the most memorable episodes and figures in Chinese literature appear within its pages, and Three Kingdoms has had a profound influence on personal, social, and political behavior, even language usage, in the daily life of people in China today. The novel has inspired countless works of theater and art, and, more recently, has been the source for movies and a television series. Long popular in other countries of East Asia, such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, Three Kingdoms has also been introduced to younger generations around the globe through a series of extremely popular computer games. This study helps create a better understanding of the work's unique place in Chinese culture.

Records of the Three Kingdoms in Plain Language

Records of the Three Kingdoms in Plain Language
Author: Anonymous
Publisher: Hackett Publishing
Total Pages: 222
Release: 2016-09-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 162466525X
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The saga of the Three Kingdoms—which recounts the dramatic story of the civil wars (ca. 180–220 CE) that divided the old Han Empire into the Shu, Wei, and Wu states—remains as popular as ever in China, having served as the basis of not only traditional operas and ballads, but also, in more recent years, of movies, television dramas, and video games. Translated into English for the first time here, the Sanguozhi pinghua (thirteenth century CE) provides a complete and fast-paced narrative account of the events of the period, from the beginning of the civil wars to the demise of the Three Kingdoms and the short-lived reunification of the realm by the Jin dynasty. Shorter, clearer, and more accessible to Western audiences than Luo Guanzhong’s later, greatly expanded Romance (Sanguo yanyi)—and beautifully rendered in this edition by two modern-day masters of the art of Chinese literary translation—the Records of the Three Kingdoms in Plain Language provides an ideal introduction to one of the foundational Chinese epic traditions. Tables of major Chinese dynasties and reigns, a guide to understanding formal Chinese naming conventions, a glossary of Chinese names and terms, and reproductions of some woodcuts from the original edition of the text are included.

Imperial Warlord

Imperial Warlord
Author: Rafe de Crespigny
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 567
Release: 2010-08-18
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9004188304
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The warlord Cao Cao, founder of the Three Kingdoms state of Wei, is most commonly known through the romantic tradition of the novel Sanguo yanyi and other dramatic fictions, which portray him as cruel and vicious. In fact, however, Cao Cao was a fine strategist and politician who restored a measure of order after the political turmoil and civil war that brought the end of Han. The present work offers a detailed account of Cao Cao's life and times, using historical materials and the man's own words from official proclamations and personal poetry. Exceptionally for such a distant time, there is sufficient information in the texts to provide a rounded interpretation of one of the great characters of early China. This title has been awarded the Stanislas Julien prize for 2011.

From Blood and Ash

From Blood and Ash
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Blue Box Press
Total Pages: 343
Release: 2020-03-30
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1952457017
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Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa. A Maiden… Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers. A Duty… The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden. A Kingdom… Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel. Reviews for From Blood and Ash: "Dreamy, twisty, steamy escapism. Take me back!" -New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins “Jennifer Armentrout has the power to control my emotions with every word she writes. From swooning to crying to racing through the pages to find out what happens next, I couldn't stop reading about Hawke and Poppy, and you won't be able to either.” - Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times Bestselling Author of A Curse So Dark and Lonely “Action, adventure, sexiness, and angst! From Blood and Ash has it all and double that. So many feels and so many moments it made me cheer for the character. Read. This. Book! You'll be obsessed!” - Tijan NYT bestselling author “From Blood and Ash is a phenomenal fantasy novel that is filled to the brim with danger, mystery and heart melting romance. I loved every single second of it and I couldn’t get enough of this new fantastical world. A heart stopping start to what is clearly going to be a stunning series, perfect for both those who love fantasy and those who are new to the genre. A must read.” Kayleigh, K-Books "If you think you are ready for From Blood and Ash, think again. Jennifer L. Armentrout has woven a new fantasy universe that will leave you reeling. Filled with action, heart wrenching twists and the most delicious romance, this unputdownable novel comes with a warning: keep a fan close by, because the temperatures are about to rise." Elena, The Bibliotheque Blo “In this exciting new novel by Jennifer L. Armentrout, she introduces a fantastical world filled with immense detail, and characters who are poignant and fierce, Jennifer truly has out done herself!” – BookBesties “From Blood and Ash is a fantastic fantasy that will hook you immediately from the very first page! I loved every single moment and all of the characters are ones you will fall in love with! Jennifer L. Armentrout has done it again with her amazing writing skills and lots of detail! Get this book immediately!!!” - Amanda @Stuck In YA Books “Jennifer has stepped into the fantasy genre with this absolutely amazing novel. With characters you will love and more than a few twists and turns, get ready for one amazing adventure.” -Perpetual Fangirl "This magnificent book has so many pieces in it: fantasy, mystery, forbidden romance, supernatural, lies, deceit, betrayal, love, friendship, family. And so, so, so many secrets your head will be spinning. Jennifer L. Armentrout has created another masterpiece that I will be rushing to buy, and will be telling everyone to read it ASAP!" ~Jeraca @My Nose in YA Books “From Blood to Ash is the first high fantasy book from Jennifer L Armentrout, but hopefully not the last. Like all her other works, her ability to create worlds, create swoon worthy men, and feisty strong female characters is amazing. Fantasy, mystery, romance, betrayal, love, and steamy scenes, this book has it all.” - Lisa @ The Blonde Book Lover “From Blood & Ash is everything we love about JLA’s fantasy writing...pumped up on steroids. There’s epic world building and plot twists, a strong female lead, a swoon worthy book hottie, a steamy forbidden love story, and side characters that can’t help but steal your heart. My mind was blown by the end of this book.” - Kris S. (frantic4romantic) “Step into an exciting new fantasy world by Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood And Ash takes you on a fantastic ride with twists and turns galore. Characters you will love to laugh and cry with. A phenomenal start to an exciting new series.” - Lori Dunn an avid reader “From Blood and Ash was everything I wanted in a high fantasy novel. The myths, the legends, the epic romance, and an adventure that will keep you on your toes beginning to end. I couldn’t put the book down. Truly a brilliant start to what I believe will be yet another amazing series by Jennifer L. Armentrout." –Sabrina, Books Are My Life “Jennifer L. Armentrout takes her first step into the high fantasy genre with From Blood and Ash. A story of forbidden love, lies, secrets, and betrayal - it will leave you wanting more after the very last page.” - Love Just Is Books “From Blood and Ash is like reading my favorite book for first time.” - Raquel Herrera “With From Blood and Ash, Jennifer Armentrout successfully takes on the genre of high fantasy, proving, once again, that she is a master of her craft. Filled with epic adventure, forbidden romance, deceit, lies, and betrayal, FB&A draws you in from page one and refuses to let go!” - Erica, The Rest Just Falls Away “Jennifer L. Armentrout comes trough once again with From Blood and Ash as it kept me enthralled throughout the full book. You won't be able to put down this epic story once you start.” - Julalicious Book Paradise “From Blood and Ash strikes the perfect balance between fantasy and romance elements leaving the world feeling live in and full while allowing the relationship between the main characters feeling real and authentic.” - Nads Book Nook, Nadine Bergeron “Be prepared to spend your whole day reading From Blood and Ash. Once you start reading this high fantasy novel, you won't want to put it down.” - Love Book Triangle “From Blood and Ash is absolutely breath taking. JLA does what she does best by creating a fantastical world filled with romance, lies, betrayal, adventure and all things we love and expect from JLA characters that melt our hearts and steal our hearts and souls. I cannot wait for the next one!” - Pia Colon “From Blood and Ash, Jennifer L. Armentrout brought to life a high fantasy that is enthralling. Another masterful addition to my collection. Get ready to stay on your toes from start to end.” - Amy Oh, Reader by the Mountains “From Blood and Ash is the first high fantasy novel by Jennifer L Armentrout and she absolutely nails it. This is fantasy for skeptics and unbelievers because it makes you want to be a fantasy fan! This page turner makes you want to devour it in one night and at the same time savor every detail. Heart stopping and inspiring and grips you from page one.” – Tracy Kirby “An intriguing puzzle of a world, a ruthless hero, a determine heroin, and a plot that will keep you up late, this book is one of the best I've read this year.” – Valerie from Stuck In Books “From Blood and Ash, a thrilling high fantasy that packs a punch, each page will leave you wanting more!” - Tracey, Books & Other Pursuits

Chinese Literature

Chinese Literature
Author: Sabina Knight
Publisher: OUP USA
Total Pages: 158
Release: 2012-02-03
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 019539206X
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This book tells the story of Chinese literature, from prehistory to the present, in terms of literary culture's key role in supporting social and political concerns. A welcome guide for teachers, students, and lay readers, Chinese Literature: A Very Short Introduction honours traditional Chinese understandings of literature as encompassing history and philosophy, as well as the evolution of poetry and poetics, storytelling, drama, and the novel.

A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire, Book One)

A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire, Book One)
Author: Jessica Cluess
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Total Pages: 418
Release: 2016-09-20
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
ISBN: 0553535927
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"Vivid characters, terrifying monsters, and world building as deep and dark as the ocean." --Victoria Aveyard, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Red Queen I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer in hundreds of years. The prophesied one. Or am I? Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she's shocked when instead of being executed, she's invited to train as one of Her Majesty's royal sorcerers. Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the chosen one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. But Henrietta Howel is not the chosen one. As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, what does it mean to not be the one? And how much will she risk to save the city—and the one she loves? Exhilarating and gripping, Jessica Cluess's spellbinding fantasy introduces a powerful, unforgettably heroine, and a world filled with magic, romance, and betrayal. Hand to fans of Libba Bray, Sarah J. Maas, and Cassandra Clare. "The magic! The intrigue! The guys! We were sucked into this monster-ridden, alternative England from page one. Henrietta is literally a 'girl on fire' and this team of sorcerers training for battle had a pinch of Potter blended with a drop of [Cassandra Clare's] Infernal Devices." --Justine Magazine "Cluess gamely turns the chosen-one trope upside down in this smashing dark fantasy." --Publishers Weekly, Starred Review "Unputdownable. I loved the monsters, the magic, and the teen warriors who are their world's best hope! Jessica Cluess is an awesome storyteller!" --Tamora Pierce, #1 New York Times bestselling author "A fun, inventive fantasy. I totally have a book crush on Rook." --Sarah Rees Brennan, New York Times bestselling author "Pure enchantment. I love how Cluess turned the 'chosen one' archetype on its head. With the emotional intensity of my favorite fantasy books, this is the kind of story that makes you forget yourself." --Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen "A glorious, fast-paced romp of an adventure. Jessica Cluess has built her story out of my favorite ingredients: sorcery, demons, romance, and danger." --Kelly Link, author of Pretty Monsters