Herbert A. Giles Books

Modern sinology—the study of things Chinese—may trace its roots back centuries to Marco Polo, Byzantium and even Imperial Rome, but to a great extent it was built on foundations laid and extended by Herbert Giles, a consul for the United Kingdom in China and later a professor at Cambridge University. Even after his 26-year tour in China was completed and he returned to his native England, he continued to author a large number of scholarly works and translations on China and the Chinese.Two of these, Chinese Sketches (1876) and The Civilization of China (1911), are now available in a single volume, revealing once again his piercing observations and a glimpse of a very different China.

This work offers a comprehensive exploration of Chinese literature, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the early 20th century. It delves into various genres, including poetry, prose, and drama, highlighting influential authors and their contributions. The author emphasizes the cultural and historical contexts that shaped literary developments, providing insights into the philosophical and artistic movements within China. Through detailed analysis, the book serves as a valuable resource for understanding the richness and diversity of Chinese literary heritage.

This collection features classic works that hold significant historical value, now rare and costly antiques. To ensure their preservation, the book is republished in high quality, maintaining the original text and artwork. It has been meticulously reformatted and retyped, offering a clear and readable presentation that distinguishes it from mere scanned copies. This effort aims to keep these important works accessible for current and future generations.

This antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of an original work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and flawed pages. It aims to protect and promote important literature by providing accessible, high-quality modern editions that remain true to the original text.

Featuring a facsimile reprint of a scarce antiquarian work, this edition preserves the cultural significance of the original text. Readers may encounter imperfections such as marks, notations, and flawed pages, reflecting its historical context. The commitment to protecting and promoting literature is evident in this high-quality, accessible reproduction, ensuring that the essence of the original work remains intact for contemporary audiences.

The book features three essays that delve into the significance of Masonic tracing boards, exploring their symbolism and historical context. This high-quality reprint of the original 1879 edition offers insights into the esoteric traditions of Freemasonry, providing readers with a deeper understanding of these intricate visual representations and their meanings within the Masonic framework.

This collection of Chinese prose showcases some of the most beautiful and timeless works of ancient literature. The book provides a fascinating insight into Chinese culture and history, with the added benefit of Herbert A. Giles' expert guidance. Any lover of literature will find much to enjoy and appreciate here.

This book presents a critical examination of translations and mistranslations found in Dr. Williams' Syllabic Dictionary of the Chinese Language. It offers insights into the linguistic challenges and nuances of translating Chinese, reflecting on the historical context of the original 1879 edition. The unchanged reprint serves as a valuable resource for scholars and linguists interested in the evolution of Chinese language studies and translation practices.

The exploration of the concept of the sublime in literature and art is at the heart of this study, which delves into Longinus' ancient Greek treatise. The first part offers insights into Longinus' life and the defining qualities of the sublime, such as grandeur and passion, illustrated with literary examples. The second part features a translation of "On the Sublime," enriched with commentary that highlights its key themes and rhetorical techniques, showcasing Longinus' lasting influence on literature and art. This work serves as an important resource for understanding the sublime's historical and cultural significance.