“These chapters cover a wide range of analysis and interpretation, yet they are solidly written and very accessible for readers. Biographical writing has been central to the historiographic traditions of the Confucian cultures of East Asia for more than two thousand years. This book makes important contributions to this growing field and will be a most welcome addition to the body of scholarly literature.” -Kenneth Hammond, Professor of History, New Mexico State University, USA This edited collection is composed of four uniquely authored chapters, each of which examines collective identity in early modern East Asia through biography and historical accounts. In addition, an introductory chapter lays out the overall principles and concerns of biography in Early Modern East Asia. The book covers five civilizations (China, Japan, Ryūkyū Kingdom, and Vietnam) while also touching on relations among these civilizations. This volume considers how biographies or life stories can help us better understand these civilizations. Each contributor explores shared concerns about biography, writing, group and individual identity, and the implications of these on the overall genre of biography in East Asia in the early modern period. Ihor Pidhainy is a Lecturer in the Department of History and Geography at Georgia Gwinnett College, USA. Ann Waltner is Professor in the Department of History at the University of Minnesota, USA. |