In just thirteen brief, accessible chapters, this engaging little book takes absolute beginners from the most basic questions about the language (e.g., what does a classical Chinese character look like?) to reading and understanding selections from classical Chinese philosophical texts and Tang dynasty poetry. An outstanding introduction to reading classical Chinese . Van Norden does a wonderful job of clearly explaining the basics of classical Chinese, and he carefully takes the reader through beautifully chosen examples from the textual tradition. An invaluable work. -Michael Puett, Harvard University
Bryan W. Van Norden is Professor in the Philosophy Department, and in the department of Chinese and Japanese, at Vassar College.
Title: Classical Chinese for Everyone: A Guide for Absolute Beginners
Author: Bryan W. Van Norden
ISBN: 9781624668227
Binding:
Publisher: Hackett Publishing Co, Inc
Publication Date: 2019-10-02
Number of Pages: 168
Weight: 0.3631 kg
Van Norden has pulled off the seemingly impossible. With his direction, a serious student could make real headway in learning classical Chinesewhile learning a great deal about early Chinese thought as well. Robert E. Hegel, Washington University in St. Louis
For most people, learning Classical Chinese is a daunting task, but for those who are fortunate enough to begin with Van Norden's intelligently written and wittily designed Guide, it is far easier and, dare I say, much more fun than one might have thought. Victor H. Mair, University of Pennsylvania
[A] terrific little book, one that fills a niche. Van Norden is a gifted writer when it comes to material geared to students, and the book is very lucid, engaging, and funny all at once. It is a pleasure to read. --Hagop Sarkissian, The City University of New York, Graduate Center, and Baruch College
This is a book for anyone who would like to learn a bit of Classical Chinese. . . . If you, or one of your students, or someone on your holiday gift list are interested in a career as a Sinologist, or would like to learn just enough Classical Chinese to say you know a bit, or just like learning interesting things from a good teacher you should get this book. It is by far the most fun language textbook I have ever read . Alan Baulmer, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, from a review on the Frog in a Well blog
Classical Chinese for Everyone is great! Even if you don't want to learn classical Chinese, it is very philosophically interesting on the topic of how language affects thought. It is a corrective to Orientalist errors, and it is entertaining! Eric Kaplan, Emmy-winning writer and producer of Futurama, The Simpsons, and The Big Bang Theory
