Bret Hinsch Books

Focusing on gender relations during the Ming dynasty, this work offers a thorough overview of women's roles in Ming China. Bret Hinsch utilizes a diverse range of Chinese sources, presenting a comprehensive survey that stands out in English-language scholarship. The book sheds light on the complexities of women's experiences and contributions in a historically significant period, making it an essential resource for understanding gender dynamics in this era.

Exploring the evolution of male identity throughout Chinese history, this book examines how men have acted and thought from the Zhou dynasty to the present. Bret Hinsch highlights the dynamic characteristics of historical Chinese masculinity and the influences of capitalism, imperialism, modernization, revolution, and reform on contemporary male identities. By providing a comprehensive survey, it sheds light on the complexities of masculinity in a society experiencing rapid change.

Focusing on the history of women in China from the sixth to the tenth centuries, this groundbreaking study offers a comprehensive exploration of their lives during the medieval period. Bret Hinsch delves into various aspects, including political influence, economic status, occupational roles, family dynamics, religious practices, and emotional experiences, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the female experience in this pivotal era.

Offering a comprehensive history of women in the early imperial era, this revised edition incorporates the latest scholarship and theoretical approaches. It utilizes extensive primary and secondary sources in Chinese and Japanese to provide a detailed exploration of women's roles through various lenses, including kinship, wealth, law, and ritual. Enhanced with line drawings, a glossary, and extensive notes, the book serves as an invaluable resource for historians and students interested in gender studies and early Chinese society.

Focusing on the early medieval period of disunion, this study offers a thorough examination of Chinese women's roles and experiences during the Six Dynasties, from AD 220 to AD 581. It highlights the social, cultural, and historical contexts that shaped women's lives during this transformative era, providing valuable insights into their contributions and challenges in a time of political fragmentation and change.

This distinctive and enlightening book explores the development of tea drinking in China, using tea culture to explore the profound question of how Chinese have traditionally expressed individuality. By linking tea to individualism, Bret Hinsch's deeply researched book makes an original and influential contribution to the history of Chinese culture.

Focusing on the lives of Chinese imperial women, the book reveals how these empresses navigated and often challenged the male-dominated political landscape. It counters the stereotype of them as mere victims, showcasing their agency and influence within the imperial court. Through historical narratives, it highlights their resilience and the complexities of their roles in shaping Chinese history.

The book provides a thorough exploration of women's history in China, spanning from the Neolithic period to the Qing Dynasty. It highlights the roles, experiences, and contributions of women throughout various historical epochs, offering insights into their social, cultural, and political contexts. The text is designed to be clear and accessible, making it suitable for readers seeking to understand the complexities of women's lives in Chinese history.

Focusing on ancient Chinese women's history, this book offers an in-depth exploration from the Neolithic era to 221 BCE. It examines various periods, including the Shang and Zhou dynasties, and delves into key aspects of female life, such as marriage, family dynamics, political involvement, and roles in rituals and religion. Through this comprehensive survey, readers gain valuable insights into the evolving status and experiences of women throughout ancient China.

Focusing on the lives of women during the Qing Dynasty, this work offers an insightful exploration of their roles in family, marriage, and motherhood, alongside their involvement in political power and work. It delves into themes of inheritance, education, religious duties, and ethical considerations, providing a comprehensive understanding of gender relations in this historical period.