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Introduction to Guoxue
This book is a collection of Zhang Taiyan's lectures on traditional Chinese thoughts, culture, and learning. Zhang Taiyan is known for his role as an active proponent of Guoxue (Chinese learning) in modern China. This title comprises the transcripts of a series of his lectures on Guoxue given in Shanghai between April and June 1922, and serves as an insightful and influential companion to Guoxue. It systematically introduces the research methods of Guoxue and the development and schools of Chinese classical studies, Chinese philosophy, and Chinese literature, and provides a brilliant analysis of representative figures and works from various periods. It also touches on a wide range of topics in Chinese history, philology, paleography, bibliology, and geography. This book provides Guoxue with many new and thought-provoking ideas and plays a crucial role in the dissemination of Guoxue throughout the world. The title will be essential reading for students and scholars of Sinology and Chinese Studies, as well as the general public interested in traditional Chinese culture.
142 pages, Hardcover
Published January 31, 2024
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November 24, 2025
This book consists of transcripts of lectures on traditional Chinese learning delivered in Shanghai by Zhang Taiyan in 1922. As Cao Juren observed at the time:
Although I cannot assess the value and contemporary relevance of the first three lectures (on classical studies, philosophy, and literature) according to current standards and developments in sinology, the later texts offer valuable insight into the intellectual mindset of a scholar educated under the Qing dynasty and firmly committed to preserving China’s intellectual heritage at a time when social and political movements increasingly favoured modernization and, to an extent, Western “new ideas”.
As Juren asks, is Guoxue merely a decayed skeleton? If not, how can it continue to serve as a cultural and intellectual backbone while allowing for a reasonable integration of Western thought? Zhang provides reflections on this delicate balance.
Mr. Taiyan’s lectures on Guoxue can indeed satisfy our thirst for knowledge […]. Through his words, one may ultimately come to understand it. However, while we should strive to fully comprehend his lectures, we must also approach them with critical discernment, bearing in mind that ‘he is dear to me, but dearer still is the truth.’
Although I cannot assess the value and contemporary relevance of the first three lectures (on classical studies, philosophy, and literature) according to current standards and developments in sinology, the later texts offer valuable insight into the intellectual mindset of a scholar educated under the Qing dynasty and firmly committed to preserving China’s intellectual heritage at a time when social and political movements increasingly favoured modernization and, to an extent, Western “new ideas”.
As Juren asks, is Guoxue merely a decayed skeleton? If not, how can it continue to serve as a cultural and intellectual backbone while allowing for a reasonable integration of Western thought? Zhang provides reflections on this delicate balance.
Displaying 1 of 1 review