The Han Rhapsody A Study of the Fu of Yang Hsiung (53 B.C.}}}A.D.18) [Paperback]

An attempt at an analysis in depth of the work of Yang Hsiung (53 BC - AD 18).An attempt at an analysis in depth of the work of Yang Hsiung (53 BCAD 18), and of the Fu or rhapsody (a mixture of rhythmical prose passages interspersed with free, rhymed verse).An attempt at an analysis in depth of the work of Yang Hsiung (53 BCAD 18), and of the Fu or rhapsody (a mixture of rhythmical prose passages interspersed with free, rhymed verse).An attempt at an analysis in depth of the work of Yang Hsiung (53 BCAD 18), and of the Fu or rhapsody (a mixture of rhythmical prose passages interspersed with free, rhymed verse). Yang Hsiung has figured prominently in Chinese literary history, though he is better known for his philosophical and historical writings than for his literary work. Professor Knechtges shows that Yang is important in the development of the Fu, a poetic genre popular in the Former Han dynasty (206 BCAD 8) and the mastery of which brought him recognition and honours at the imperial court. The work and development of the genre are analysed from a modern critical viewpoint. Professor Knechtges' book will be of interest to specialists in Chinese literature and to historians of the Han period.1. Introduction; 2. The Rhapsody before Yang Hsiung; 3. The 'Sweet Springs' and 'Ho-tung' Rhapsodies; 4. The 'Barricade Hunt' and 'Ch'ang-yang' Rhapsodies; 5. The Rhapsody Criticized and Reformed; 6. Epilogue.