Vignettes from the Late Ming: A Hsiao-p’in Anthology

A compelling anthology, "Vignettes from the Late Ming: A Hsiao-p’in Anthology," translated and annotated by Yang Ye, offers a unique window into sixteenth- and seventeenth-century China. This volume, a First Edition, First Printing from the University of Washington Press in 1999, collects seventy short essays, or *hsiao-p’in*, from fourteen renowned Chinese writers. Characterized by their spontaneity and brevity, *hsiao-p’in* represent a more informal and individualistic variation on the classical prose style in which all scholars were trained. Primarily intended for amusement and entertainment, these essays beautifully reflect the rising tide of individualism during the late Ming period, collectively painting a vivid panorama of the colorful life of the era. Though critics of the time condemned the genre as escapist, focusing on sensual pleasures and triviality, leading to many works being officially censored over the subsequent two centuries, they now stand as invaluable and rare accounts of the daily life and wit of Ming China. This scholarly yet accessible collection showcases delightful turns of phrase and offers profound insights into a vibrant historical period. The book is presented as a Paperback in Good condition.

• Author: Ye, Yang
• Publisher: University of Washington Press
• Year: 1999
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Good
• ISBN: 9780295977331