The author of Vermeer's Hat shares "a dizzying and exhilarating journey" through 800 years of Chinese history and national identity (New Statesman).China is one of the oldest states in the world. It achieved its approximate borders with the Ascendancy of the Yuan dynasty in the thirteenth century and has maintained them ever since—through the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Republic, the Occupation, and Communism. Yet China has never been alone in the world. I...

In 221 BC, the First Emperor of Qin unified the lands that would become the heart of a Chinese empire. Though forged by conquest, this vast domain depended for its political survival on a fundamental reshaping of Chinese culture. With this informative book, we are present at the creation of an ancient imperial order whose major features would endure for two millennia.The Qin and Han constitute the “classical period” of Chinese history—a role played by the Greeks and Romans in the W...

In this critical darling Vermeer's captivating and enigmatic paintings become windows that reveal how daily life and thought-from Delft to Beijing--were transformed in the 17th century, when the world first became global.A Vermeer painting shows a military officer in a Dutch sitting room, talking to a laughing girl. In another canvas, fruit spills from a blue-and-white porcelain bowl. Familiar images that captivate us with their beauty--but as Timothy Brook shows u...

In "Faust; a Tragedy, Translated from the German of Goethe," the renowned German literary giant Johann Wolfgang von Goethe explores profound themes of human desire, ambition, and the quest for knowledge. This monumental work, first published in the early 19th century, is characterized by its intricate verse and philosophical depth, merging elements of Romanticism with classical influences. Through the character of Faust, who makes a pact with Mephistopheles in pursuit of ultimate wisdom an...

In 'Titan,' Jean Paul embarks on an ambitious exploration of the human psyche and the nature of individual existence through the lens of allegory and philosophical introspection. This literary work, rich in Romantic idealism, combines elements of humor, dream-like sequences, and profound existential musings within a narrative structure that is both inventive and non-linear. The title itself resonates with the Promethean struggle of the individual against societal constraints, inviting read...

In "The Invisible Lodge," Jean Paul crafts a rich narrative that blends elements of fantasy and philosophical reflection, encapsulated within his signature whimsical and satirical prose. This work, published in the early 19th century, explores themes of imagination, the nature of reality, and the intricate interplay between the self and society. With its elaborate metaphors and playful language, the novel invites readers into a surreal world where the boundaries of perception blur, mirrori...

Goethe's 'Faust' is considered to be his Magnum Opus and one of the best works of German literature ever completed. It is a universal tale of belonging, love, despair and finding ones purpose.Faust is a man in anguish; having dedicated his life to the sciences, to understanding the world around him he now sees that he has learnt all that he can. He is distraught by the notion that he cannot be at one with the cosmic universe and attain the highest form of knowledge. Seeing this, Th...

In "Plish and Plum," Wilhelm Busch masterfully blends whimsy with insightful satire, presenting the adventures of two anthropomorphic characters'Äîa plump cat named Plish and a curious mouse named Plum. Set against a charmingly illustrated backdrop of rural life, this narrative employs Busch's signature witty verse and playful illustrations to not only entertain but also provoke contemplation regarding the age-old dynamics of predator and prey. The book captures the essence of 19th-century...

In "Max and Maurice," Wilhelm Busch presents a captivating and satirical tale of two mischievous boys whose antics lead to a series of humorous yet cautionary events. Characterized by its engaging rhyming verses and lively illustrations, the book marries a traditional fairy tale structure with moralistic themes reflective of the late 19th century. The juxtaposition of whimsical narrative and stark warnings about childhood misbehavior underscores the darkly ironic tone that is pervasive thr...

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust; a Tragedy, Translated from the German of Goethe" is an ambitious exploration of ambition, desire, and the human spirit, encapsulated in the character of Dr. Faust, a scholar who, dissatisfied with the limits of knowledge, makes a pact with the devil, Mephistopheles. Goethe's poetic mastery is complemented by a complex interplay of philosophical discourse and vivid imagery, intertwining elements of Romanticism and Enlightenment thought. This work not onl...

In 'The Invisible Lodge,' Jean Paul masterfully weaves a tapestry of whimsical narratives and philosophical reflections that delves into the intricate relationship between the visible and invisible realms of existence. Set within a landscape rich with surrealism, the novel employs a playful yet poignant literary style marked by elaborate descriptions, paradoxical humor, and an introspective tone. The text is a pivotal work in the Romantic literary movement, exploring themes of transcendenc...

Contemporary discussions of international relations in Asia tend to be tethered in the present, unmoored from the historical contexts that give them meaning. Sacred Mandates, edited by Timothy Brook, Michael van Walt van Praag, and Miek Boltjes, redresses this oversight by examining the complex history of inter-polity relations in Inner and East Asia from the thirteenth century to the twentieth, in order to help us understand and develop policies to address challenges in the regio...