Handbook of Chinese Mythology (Handbooks of World Mythology)
Grade 9 Up–An authoritative, but not comprehensive, resource. The authors have drawn on many works in Mandarin as well as extant scholarly texts in English. They discuss sources and treatments of Chinese myths in the past and present, offering an overview of the interaction between myth and society. Surveying Chinese history and the history of the study of myths, the authors identify some areas for future scholarship. They provide a chronology of Chinese dynasties and include non-Han minorities in their discussions. The writing is clear and correct (though the Weaving Maiden is said to wed a cowboy), if not inspired. An extensive annotated bibliography cites selected Internet and video as well as print resources. The index is detailed. Although entries on dragons and on culture-heroes are fascinating, users will look in vain for Guanyin, Monkey (Sun Wukong), Yen Lo Wang, Feng Du, Yuan Shi Tian Zong, Guan Yu, and other folk and Taoist gods. This book should expand students ideas about the extent and significance of Chinese myths, but the absence of many myths that are known, even if imperfectly, in the West will limit its usefulness.–Patricia D. Lothrop, St. Georges School, Newport, RICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.