The Stele Inscriptions of Ch'in Shih-huang: Text and Ritual in Early Chinese Imperial Representation

by Martin Kern

This study revisits the six inscriptions originally carved into stone by the first emperor of China, Ch'in Shih-huang (reigned as emperor 221-210 B.C.). Rejecting the traditional difference between "Legalist" and "Confucian" scholars as inaccurate, the author proposes a new reading of Ch'in history that sees the Ch'in emperior's patronage of scholarship as no different from that of many of his successors. Supporting scholars who justified his rule, he took measures to restrict writings opposed to him.

221 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2000