This course will offer a comprehensive history of books in China since 1368, the first year of the Ming dynasty, with reference to relevant developments in Korea and Japan and to parallels in the West. It treats the subject in the broadest sense from the fourteenth century to full maturity in the Ming and the Qing, and through the tumultuous introduction of Western books in the late nineteenth century, until the introduction of virtual books at the end of the twentieth century. In addition to describing the physical aspects of traditional Chinese books and their evolution over many centuries, their role as bearers of text and transmitters of knowledge will be introduced in the context of China’s rich and complex history. Visual images and many actual specimens, including rare books, will be used to reinforce presentations and stimulate discussion.

The conception, production, transmission, and consumption of traditional Chinese books will be discussed in this course, and key topics will include but not be limited to the following events and activities in China: economic factors underlying xylographic printing, commercial and non-commercial publishing, native typography in East Asia, questions of authentication and cataloguing, texts and paratexts, book illustration and color printing, libraries and book collecting, and the wave of western influences on the Chinese book beginning in the nineteenth century.

This course is intended for anyone interested in the cultural history of the book in East Asia and is especially suitable for persons knowledgeable of other book cultures. H-85: The History of the Book in China to 1368, is intended to complement this course. Required readings are all in English and knowledge of Chinese, Japanese or Korean is not necessary. Advanced readings in languages other than English will be made available to anyone requesting them.