A systematic study of Wang Bi's (226-249) commentary on the Laozi, this book provides the first systematic study of a Chinese commentator's scholarly craft and introduces a highly sophisticated Chinese way of reading the Taoist classic, one that differs greatly from Western interpretations.

Examines the ambiguous constructions of the Orient in the works of four major twentieth-century French writers.

The first English translation of a selection of legal documents from Sung Dynasty China, this work provides a fascinating look at the legal, social, and economic history of that era.

Bringing together the depth insights of eastern and western traditions, this book places the topic of the self in a new context.

Traces the evolving uses of writing to command assent and authority in early China, an evolution that culminated in the establishment of a textual canon as the basis of imperial authority.

Leading scholars examine religious and philosophical dimensions of the Chinese classic known as the Daodejing or Laozi.

Examines liberal democracy and Confucianism as two value systems and argues for a future where both coexist as independent value systems in China.

Explores Japanese literary Zen through the landscape arts of poetry, prose, painting, and gardens expressed in the writings of Japan's Five Mountain monks.

Examines the contemporary workings of property law in India through the lives and thoughts of middle-class and poor women.

A concise guide to the key practice systems of the East Asian Meditational schools Ch'an, Son, and Zen.

Using a wide variety of original sources, this book examines how and why early Taoists carried out such ascetic practices as fasting, celibacy, sleep deprivation, and wilderness seclusion.

This translation and commentary on an important Hindu text on the Great Goddess envisions a universe created and protected by a compassionate female deity.

A diverse collection of interpretive essays on the third-century B. C.E. Daoist classic, the Zhuangzi, which continues the long commentarial tradition on this work and underscores its relevance to our own time and place.

This first Western language study of one of Japan's most popular writers includes translations of key passages, critical commentary, and full translations of three essays by Hayashi Fumiko.

Explores historical and philosophical shifts in the depiction of women and virtue in the early years of the Chinese state. Includes an examination of the history of yin-yang theories.

A pioneering study of German and Japanese postwar fiction, providing a broad cultural basis for understanding a half-century of responses to World War II from within the two societies.

An interdisciplinary exploration of the tension between traditional and modern approaches to the environment in Pacific Rim countries.

The first comprehensive work on Chinese American women's history covering the past 150 years.

Enlarges our understanding of Jainism, one of the oldest yet least-studied of the world's living religions, by challenging the standard scholarly portraits of both Jains and South Asian religion and culture.

An interdisciplinary exploration of the Confucian family in East Asia which includes historical, psychocultural, and gender studies perspectives.

Provides a wealth of information about leisure activities in Japan including sports, travel, theater, music, games, and gambling.

An English translation and a commentary on the chronicle of Queen Cama, an important but neglected female monarch who founded a dynasty in Northern Thailand.

The last work of the eminent philosopher Bimal Krishna Matilal, this book traces the origins of logical theory in India.

Explores, from a cross-cultural viewpoint and in terms of symbolic expression, the self's problematic relationship to language and art and to the culture embedding the language and art.

During the period of Japanese domination, Kim Songsu emerged as one of Korea's leading cultural nationalists. This life history details his contribution to the self-strengthening programs moderate nationalists advocated as the foundation for Korea's independence.