Defining Chu: Image and Reality in Ancient China

by John S. Major (Editor), Constance A. Cook (Editor)

Scholars agree that the southern culture of China, roughly identifiable with the state of Chu during the period between 700 and 200 BC, is of great importance in the subsequent development Chinese culture. This book attempts a broad and in-depth analysis of this state, tracing the evolution of the Chu from a vassal state of Zhou to its rise and fall as a great hegemonic kingdom in the Warring States period and its eventual resurgence in the early Han dynasty. A translation of the Chu Silk Manuscript, a document that has intrigued scholars since its discovery in Chansha, is appended.

Genres: History, China

254 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chu has always been my favorite of the Warring states, with it’s shamanistic religion and culture I find it very fascinating. I learned a LOT more about it from reading this book Defining Chu is an excellent collection of papers about the Warring States’ period. The book starts with a series of archeological based essays about Chu, it’s geography, economy, politics, grave goods culture and laws. The later essays that discussed the state and the religion were, to me, by far the most interesting. It ended looking at the rather late interpretation of Chu in Han times, in particular during the reign of Hanwudi. A very interesting book for people interested in early and pre-imperial China.

[AskHistorians]

The immense Chu state dominated the south for centuries throughout most of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States era until its final succumb to the armies of Qin that emerged from the west. Despite certain faults, this collection of essays is the best work that I know of which deals directly with this kingdom, from the territorial expansion and contraction of Chu to the nature of Chu art to its cultural legacy in the Han dynasty. I especially recommend Jenny So's Chu Art: Link Between the Old and New.