Examples of Historical Taboos -- A Series of Books for Introduction to Guoxue

Author: Chen Yuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-03
Features: The study of taboo words () is an indispensable knowledge for researching Chinese history, as it was necessary to avoid the names of contemporary emperors or respected figures before the Xinhai Revolution. However, the taboos varied across different dynasties, and the methods of avoidance were inconsistent. As a result, historical records often contain changes in text due to taboos, and even names, official titles, place names, book titles, and era names were altered. Professor Chen Yuan was a renowned historian and educator in China, making pioneering contributions to the study of religious history, Yuan Dynasty history, historical documents, and other fields of Chinese historiography. This book is a comprehensive work by Professor Chen on taboo words, featuring over 80 examples that analyze and explain the types of taboos in different dynasties, the methods used, their application, and related issues. It is concise yet academically rigorous, while also serving as an excellent introductory read for the general public.