The Confucian Four Books for Women : A New Translation of the Nu Shishu and the Commentary of Wang Xiang

This volume brings the first English translation of the Confucian classics, Four Books for Women, to the English-speaking world with extensive commentary by the compiler, Wang Xiang, and annotations by the translator. As a female counterpart to the famous Sishu (Four Books) compiled by Zhu Xi, Wang Xiang''s Nü sishu was an indispensable primer for women''s education from its publication in the 16th century until the beginning of the 20th century. This work provides an invaluable look at the long-standing history and evolution of Chinese women''s writing, education, identity, and philosophical discourse, along with their struggles and triumphs, across the millenniums and numerous Chinese dynasties.

This volume presents the first English translation of the Confucian classics, Four Books for Women, with extensive commentary by the compiler, Wang Xiang, and introductions and annotations by translator Ann A. Pang-White. Written by women for women''s education, the Confucian Four Books for Women spanned the 1st to the 16th centuries, and encompass Ban Zhao''s Lessons for Women, Song Ruoxin''s and Song Ruozhao''s Analects for Women, Empress Renxiaowen''s Teachings for the Inner Court, and Madame Liu''s (Chaste Widow Wang''s) Short Records of Models for Women. A female counterpart to the famous Sishu (Four Books) compiled by Zhu Xi, Wang Xiang''s Nü sishu provides an invaluable look at the long-standing history and evolution of Chinese women''s writing, education, identity, and philosophical discourse, along with their struggles and triumphs, across the millennia and numerous Chinese dynasties. Pang-Whites new translation brings the authors of the Four Books for Women to life as real, living people, and illustrates why they wrote and how their work empowered women.