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Robert H van Gulik

    Robert Hans van Gulik was a Dutch diplomat renowned for his Judge Dee mysteries. His literary journey began with a translation of an eighteenth-century Chinese murder mystery, leading him to create new adventures for Judge Dee, a character inspired by a seventh-century historical figure. Van Gulik's work seamlessly blends historical intrigue with compelling detective narratives. Beyond his celebrated fictional cases, he also authored scholarly works focusing on Chinese history.

    Sexual Life in Ancient China
    The Lore of the Chinese Lute
    • The Lore of the Chinese Lute

      • 312 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      The lute, or guqin, has been cherished in China for over 2,500 years, particularly among the literati, including Confucius. This monograph explores its rich cultural significance, highlighting its role in solo and orchestral music, as well as its symbolic meanings tied to meditation and intellectual growth. The author, an esteemed Sinologue and linguist trained by a renowned lute master, provides the first comprehensive overview of the instrument's impact on Chinese culture in English, bridging a gap in existing literature.

      The Lore of the Chinese Lute