Outline of the History of Chinese Thought

Author: Hou Wailu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-10-01
Features: This Outline of the History of Chinese Thought combines the compilation of philosophical thought and social and political thought. Due to its relatively stronger emphasis on philosophical discussions, it was originally planned to conclude with the May Fourth New Culture Movement. In 1980 and 1981, it was published in two volumes by China Youth Press and has been reprinted several times since. This book is largely based on the main arguments of Hou Wailu's five-volume, six-book Comprehensive History of Chinese Thought, and in this sense, it can also be regarded as an abridged version of Comprehensive History of Chinese Thought. However, during the abridement process, there were selective emphases, additions, and developments, making it an act of re-creation rather than a simple repetition or excerpt of Comprehensive History of Chinese Thought. Additionally, new chapters and sections were added based on newly unearthed materials such as Qin and Han dynasty silk manuscripts and bamboo slips, as well as other newly discovered literary sources. Some chapters were also revised in terms of both arguments and text, with some being completely rewritten. The modern period was further rewritten based on Hou Wailu's History of Modern Chinese Philosophy, published in 1978. This book has not been reprinted for over a decade but still holds reference value, so it has been re-published by Shanghai Bookstore to serve readers.