A History of Chinese Literature

"A History of Chinese Literature" by Herbert Allen Giles is a historical examination that presents the story of Chinese literature from its ancient, mythical beginnings to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Giles explores the historical periods, key figures such as Confucius, philosophical movements like Confucianism and Taoism, and influential works that shaped Chinese literary traditions and culture. He emphasizes that his book will serve as the very first of its kind and aims to introduce and broaden Chinese literature to English-speaking audiences by exploring the relationship between Chinese literature, its philosophy, and the socio-political context of China. The book begins with a discussion on the mythical origins of Chinese civilization and the establishment of written language to set the stage for a profound exploration of ancient Chinese literary heritage, revealing a landscape rich with cultural significance and intellectual thought.