Introduction to Dunhuang Studies

Author: Liu Jinbao
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-09-01
Features: "The term Dunhuang Studies refers to a discipline that primarily focuses on Dunhuang manuscripts, Dunhuang cave art, and Dunhuang theoretical studies, while also encompassing the historical and geographical sites of Dunhuang." The book General Introduction to Dunhuang Studies, edited by the late Mr. Ji Xianlin and compiled by Liu Jinbao, published by Gansu Education Publishing House, provides the above definition of what Dunhuang Studies entails. General Introduction to Dunhuang Studies is an academic yet accessible read, expanded and revised based on the author's earlier work An Overview of Dunhuang Studies. The book is divided into five chapters: A Thousand Years of Turmoil: Dunhuang, Art Treasures of the Thousand Buddhas, Heartbreaking History, Dunhuang Manuscripts, and Dunhuang Studies Across the World. Here, the author comprehensively narrates the discovery of the cave library in the Mogao Caves of Dunhuang, which led to the birth of a truly global discipline—Dunhuang Studies—as well as its gradual rise, formation, and development. The author also strives to incorporate research findings from both domestic and international scholars, offering a comprehensive discussion of all aspects of Dunhuang Studies and its current state of research. As an academic yet accessible read, it is particularly useful for scholars new to Dunhuang Studies and also provides some reference value for those already engaged in the field. Dunhuang Studies requires not only high-level specialized research but also popular works that introduce and promote the discipline to a broader audience, so that Dunhuang Studies can quickly move from academia to the wider society. This is precisely the purpose of publishing this book.