Yinxu Oracle Bone Studies - Take You into the World of Oracle Bone Script

Author: Ma Rushen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: This book is divided into two parts, providing a detailed explanation of the earliest Chinese writing system with a relatively complete system—Oracle Bone Script. The first part covers the fundamental theories of Oracle Bone Studies, starting from the excavation of oracle bones, the discovery of oracle bone script and its significant meaning, to the recording of oracle bones, research on bone plates, assembly, divination drilling, the positions and interpretation methods of oracle bone inscriptions, as well as the classification, content, dating, and writing of divination texts. It includes 108 original rubbings and illustrations. The second part provides concise explanations of the 1,056 recognizable characters of oracle bone script in terms of their forms, sounds, and meanings. The forms are drawn from the original rubbings at actual size, the pronunciations are based on modern Chinese Pinyin, and the ancient pronunciations are indicated by initial consonants and rhyme parts. The character explanations analyze the structure of the forms, explore the original meanings, and cite the Shuowen Jiezi for interpretation. The meanings of divination texts are explained item by item, with examples provided. Organized according to the Shuowen Jiezi radicals, it is divided into 14 volumes. An "Stroke Index" and a "Pinyin Index" are also included.
Key Features of the Book: Among similar books, it has a novel format, rich content, and both explains the fundamental theories of Oracle Bone Studies while providing directly usable single characters of oracle bone script. It holds academic and practical value for the study of Chinese characters and the research of Oracle Bone Studies.