A History of Chinese Literature
Herbert Allen Giles, a former British consul in China and professor of Chinese at Cambridge, published this survey in 1901, describing it as the first attempt in any language to write a history of Chinese literature. Moving dynasty by dynasty, from the feudal age of Confucius, Mencius and the Tao Te Ching through the Han historians, the poets of the T'ang, the invention of block printing under the Sung and the drama and novel of the Mongol period to later centuries, he combines brief accounts of writers with generous translated extracts. Giles writes for the general reader, with enthusiasm and wit, and the book introduced many English readers to Chinese poetry and fiction. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, and the first chapter is free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about A History of Chinese Literature
A History of Chinese Literature by Herbert Allen Giles can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read A History of Chinese Literature online?
Yes. A History of Chinese Literature opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is A History of Chinese Literature free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of A History of Chinese Literature is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is A History of Chinese Literature in the public domain?
Yes. A History of Chinese Literature by Herbert Allen Giles is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read A History of Chinese Literature?
About 7 h 53 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is A History of Chinese Literature?
A History of Chinese Literature by Herbert Allen Giles is filed under "Essays & Letters" in the Vinteuil library.
