The book Representing Lives in China: Forms of Biography in the Ming-Qing Period 1368–1911. Cornell East Asian Series, 191. has achieved its purpose in laying bare different forms of biography in the Ming-Qing Period 1368-1911. It showcases the various forms of biography during and beyond the Ming-Qing period. In the book’s second part, the authors examined the bibliographical production of central Ming officials. Three of the chapters are exceptionally dedicated to the three main literati, Wang Shizhen, Mao Xiang, and Qian Quanyi. In examining the writing by Wang Shizhen, Hammond exemplified the diversity of writing bibliography while at the same time showcasing that Wang used his literature to spread cultural and political ideas. On Yue Fei and Li Yan, Des looked beyond the authors’ words and explored related literature materials to understand the transformation and expansion of various writers during the period.
The book adds to the growing literature list, attracting scholars and readers interested in learning about Chinese authors and culture. It is also a reference book for those specializing in the culture and literature of the Chinese people. The book also enhanced our understanding of the lives of Chinese people and biographical literature during the Ming-Qing period. The role played by women during this time in history is quite important. Women were regarded as the best advisers to their husbands, so their positions mattered in the community. The women were not just to be selected but had to possess some key quality characteristics: beauty, generosity, intelligence, and hard work. For the political class, their wives played an active role in politics, especially during power struggles following the death of a ruler. The book is a historical masterpiece explaining events such as name-changing, which was frequent during this period. Part of the new knowledge gained was that individuals who wanted to avoid conscription into the local militia or military often changed their names. It was also a way of changing their family status, especially when taken for adoption. This discovery dramatically added new knowledge to people’s lives in China during the Ming-Qing Period.
The book is very objective in the delivery of its content. The authors do not include their personal opinions but well-researched work on different Forms of Biography in the Ming-Qing Period 1368–1911. The book, first in the introductory page, reviews other studies regarding literature biography in China. It is followed by another eleven chapters that answer analytical questions presented in the introduction. For example, why did literacy critics and historians assume that managers of texts, authors, and subjects during this time were only men? By trying to identify the role played by women during this time, Representing Lives in China tries to eliminate the bias that early historians had perpetuated. In the fourth chapter, Fang describes how Xiang Mao used a neutral position in describing the fall of the Ming and the emergence of a new regime- Qing Manchu. The authors did an excellent job deciding the book’s topics, and they are effectively linked. The authors did not cover people’s lives around specific issues but focused on how the early biographers understood and represented these issues. In the last chapter, a little shift is made away from female biographers to women who dedicated their lives to their children and husbands. Jingbiao has been granted special honors for her socio-economical roles in the late Ming period.
This makes the reading experience unique and exciting, being objective on the subject.
Representing Lives in China: Forms of Biography in the Ming-Qing Period 1368–1911 means many facts since the authors are knowledgeable. However, they failed to incorporate images and pictures that could have enhanced the understanding of the text. Graphics are essential as they help the readers not only visualize the text but also connect with the history presented to them. Additionally, pieces of evidence from the 13th and 14th centuries are missing, and if they are given, are very shadowy. This is probably because the writing was underdeveloped, or the evidence could have been erased or damaged during multiple wars following a regime change. The precise role women play in powerful positions at this time remains to be suggested, and it is unclear. This is because early historians were more biased and more focused on the roles played by men. It means that a lot of history about women was left out, and this history continues to be missing in modern biographical literature. Despite the few limitations, Representing Lives in China: Forms of Biography in the Ming-Qing Period 1368–1911 delivered its content more objectively.
Representing Lives in China: Forms of Biography in the Ming-Qing Period 1368–1911 uses different kinds of information to support the thesis. First, it uses biographical accounts of various empresses to reinforce its idea. For example, Yue Fei between (1103-1142), Li Zicheng between (1605-1645) and Yuan between (1271-1368). The biographical accounts point to the contributions made by each emperor during their reins, thus supporting the thesis statement. Another strategy is the use of literature reviews. Several literature materials helped the authors to build their work and support their thesis. For example, Herself an Author: Gender, Agency, and Writing in Late Imperial China (2008), The Precious Raft of History: The Past, the West, and the Woman Question in China (2008), Chinese Women in the Imperial Past: new Perspectives 1999 and Under Confucian Eyes: Writing on Gender in Chinese history (1998). These literature materials enhanced the representation of gender and the lives of Chinese during the Period 1368–1911. The authors also relied on their previous research work to improve and build on their thesis. Lastly, pictorial biographies examine pictures drawn during this time in history, especially to examine the relationships between people.
Depending on the availability and validity of new evidence, the evidence provided can lead to alternate ends. Particularly, when the interpretation of the previous evidence changes, the conclusion made by different historians is likely bound to change. The writing style is also clear and compelling. The document’s readability is easy and smooth. As one moves from word to word, phrases, and sentences, the ideas are communicated so readers find them interesting and easy to understand. The writing is elegant and has a captivating step-by-step breakdown of biographical literature.
Consequently, the document leaves new research areas in understanding the importance and meaning of Chinese culture. Areas of further research could include the significance of the name-changing petitions. Another grey area is women’s significance and role during power struggles from one emperor to the next. With this rich history, a particular focus should be directed to the fall of the Chinese dynasties. Does it continue to impact the lives of Chinese people today? When put together, these areas of future research help us explain the role of Chinese history in influencing present-day life in China.
In conclusion, the book Representing Lives in China: Forms of Biography in the Ming-Qing Period 1368–1911. Cornell East Asian Series, 191. has achieved its purpose in laying bare different forms of biography in the Ming-Qing Period 1368-1911. As a result, the authors have added a wide array of knowledge and a new piece of literature on Chinese history, drawing objective evidence from early biographers in China during this period. The book lacks personal experience and attitudes as the authors rely on biographies written by early historians to interpret how they felt about specific subjects. Despite the enormous amount of research that the authors put into writing the book, it is not free of limitations. These include missing historical information that many historians can only give suggestions to connect with the already known pieces of history. If such new/ additional evidence is found, it could change the course of history and result in new conclusions. The authors relied on biographies in the Ming-Qing Period 1368–1911 as the primary source of evidence to support their thesis clearly and coherently. There are many gaps that the book leaves behind, and historians will cover them as new archeological evidence and early manuscripts will continue to be discovered. Particularly into the precise roles of women during the Ming-Qing Period 1368–1911
References
She is the author Of gender, Agency, and Writing in Late Imperial China (2008).
The Precious Raft of History: The Past, the West, and the Woman Question in China (2008).
Chinese Women in the Imperial Past: new Perspectives 1999
Under Confucian Eyes: Writing on Gender in Chinese History 1998.
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