History of Taoism [Penglai]

Author: Xu Dishan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-12-01
Features: Traditional Chinese academic studies, after experiencing a period of stagnation and fluctuation in the late Qing Dynasty, emerged a group of master scholars from the late Qing to the early Republican era. With profound foundations in Chinese classics and a synthesis of Eastern and Western thought, they not only mapped out new fields of academic research but also pioneered a scholarly approach and academic style that were both harmonious, comprehensive, and rich in individual characteristics. This latter aspect has become a particularly cherished core issue in contemporary academia, which, after a decade of (twists and turns), has seen a surge in the "century-long retrospect" trend. This series selects works that are particularly innovative yet concise, and invites renowned experts today to provide introductions. These introductions not only clarify the theoretical frameworks and extract the essence of the works but also emphasize their academic lineage, historical and cultural backgrounds, as well as the specific circumstances and mindset of the authors at the time. Thus, readers can not only gain a precise understanding of the original texts but also highlight the academic personalities of the masters. It is believed that this design is more approachable and reliable than simply publishing the original works or vaguely summarizing the characteristics of the academic trends of that era. The original works are classic masterpieces that set an example for future generations, while the introductions are incisive and concise arguments. The combination of the two is a match made in heaven, complementing each other perfectly. This may be the irreplaceable feature that distinguishes this series from other similar series in the market, making it worth treasuring. The Chinese compare the imperial libraries where important books were stored to the Taoist paradise of Penglai Mountain, referring to them as "the Han Dynasty's Stone (: stream) Pavilion, Laozi's Penglai Mountain." Later generations thus called these libraries "Penglai Pavilion." Inspired by this, the name of this series is derived from this borrowing.