Memories of Loyang: Yang Hsüan-chih and the Lost Capital

by W.J.F. Jenner

This is the study of a remarkable city. Loyang a deserted site rich in historical associations, was chosen in 493 by the Northern Wei, a sinifying dynasty, as their new capital.

314 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 1981

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book, but probably only for those who have studied or are seriously studying Chinese history (or early Buddhism) in China. This is the translated memoir of a Chinese aristocrat of the mid-sixth century when Luoyang was the capital of the Northern Wei dynasty. It is slow reading, in part because of the profusion of names (and unfortunately in Wade-Giles) but the introductory text is a valuable introduction to the N. Wei period and the robust footnotes provide additional resources and more details. The memoir itself is even slower going as it is riddled with place names and unless you are compiling a detailed walking map of the ancient city, fairly unimportant information. A sample: "The Ying-Lo [Necklace] monastery was outside the Chien-ch'un Gate and north of the imperial highway in what was called the Chien-yang [Establishing the Positive] ward. The following ten monasteries and convents were in the word: the Ying-Lo, the Tz'u-Shan, the Hui-Ho, the T'ung-Chueh, the Hui-Hsuan...." Nevertheless, one gets a feel of the times: "The common people prospered and rich harvests brought joy to the masses. Widows and unmarried men did not know the taste of dogs' and pigs' food; orphans did not have to dress like oxen or horses." Not for leisurely reading.