Michael Loewe Knihy

Exploring the interplay between religion and governance, this book delves into the evolution of state cults and monarchy concepts during the pivotal centuries from 206 BC to AD 220. Michael Loewe analyzes how divination techniques shaped decision-making and highlights the impact of mythology and scholarly traditions on monarchical practices. Despite the political and social challenges faced in the Han dynasty's final century, the imperial ideal and its institutions significantly influenced both the era and subsequent Chinese dynasties.

This is a unique and conclusive reference work about the 6,000 individual men and women known to us from China's formative first empires.Over decennia Michael Loewe (Cambridge, UK) has painstakingly collected all biographical information available. Not only those are dealt with who set the literary forms and intellectual background of traditional China, such as writers, scholars, historians and philosophers, but also those officials who administered the empire, and the military leaders who fought in civil warfare or with China's neighbours.The work draws on primary historical sources as interpreted by Chinese, Japanese and Western scholars and as supplemented by archaeological finds and inscriptions. By devoting extensive entries to each of the emperors the author provides the reader with the necessary historical context and gives insight into the dynastic disputes and their far-reaching consequences.No comparable work exists for this important period of Chinese history. Without exaggeration a real must for historians of both China and other cultures.

Sheds light on the conceptual background of the Han period (202BC-AD220), in which seminal Chinese ideas in religion, philosophy, science and politics were formulated.

Provides an overview of the government of the early empires of China. This work discusses topics such as: the seat of supreme authority; the structure of central government; provincial and local government; the armed forces; officials; government communications; laws of the empire; control of the people and the land; and, problems and weaknesses.

Considers the important aspects of life during the Han period, when the foundations were laid for the chief political, economic, cultural and social structures that would characterise imperial China.

Depicts the imagined life of an ordinary person, Bing Wu, from the hardships of his earliest years on a rural farm to his retirement from a respected position in government service.

Exploring the archaeological evidence from pre-Buddhist China, Michael Loewe delves into the cultural attitudes towards death and the afterlife in his 1979 work. As an expert on Han China, he provides insights into how these ancient beliefs shaped societal views and practices, offering a comprehensive assessment of the era's spiritual and philosophical landscape.

Focusing on China's historical narratives, this work aims to clarify the complexities of Imperial China for a Western audience. Michael Loewe addresses common misconceptions and provides insightful explanations of China's past, making it accessible to non-specialists. The book serves as a bridge for understanding the intricacies of Eastern history, emphasizing the importance of accurate interpretations in fostering cross-cultural awareness.