ABSTRACT

This book, first published in 1974, studies the historical development of China during the Western Han dynasty (202 BC-AD 9), a time of great intellectual, religious and political change. The struggle between Reformists and Modernists is analysed using texts contemporary to the time, and this struggle was a key point in Chinese history, leading as it did to enormous change, including to economics and foreign policy.

chapter Chapter 1|20 pages

The Grand Beginning – 104 bc

chapter Chapter 2|54 pages

The Case of Witchcraft in 91 bc

chapter Chapter 3|22 pages

The Grand Inquest – 81 bc

chapter Chapter 4|41 pages

The Fall of the House of Huo – 68–66 bc

chapter Chapter 6|18 pages

The Office of Music – c. 114–7 bc

chapter Chapter 7|41 pages

The Punishment of Chih-chih – 36 bc

chapter Chapter 8|34 pages

The Reign of Ai ti – 7–1 bc

chapter Chapter 9|21 pages

The Support for Wang Mang – ad 9