Homoerotic Sensibilities in Late Imperial China / Edition 1

by Cuncun Wu

Overview

Homoerotic Sensibilities in Late Imperial China is the richest exploration to date of late imperial Chinese literati interest in male love. Employing primary sources such as miscellanies, poetry, fiction and 'flower guides', Wu Cuncun argues that male homoeroticism played a central role in the cultural life of late imperial Chinese literati elites. Countering recent arguments that homosexuality was marginal and disparaged during this period, the book also seeks to trace the relationship of homoeroticism to status and power.
In addition to historical portraits and analysis, the book also advances the concept of 'sensibilities' as a method for interpreting the complex range of homoerotic texts produced in late imperial China.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415334747
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/12/2004
Series:	Routledge/Asian Studies Association of Australia (ASAA) East Asian Series
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	252
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Wu Cuncun is Associate Professor in Classical Chinese Literature, School of Chinese, at the University of Hong Kong.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Historical Origins of Qing Male Homoerotic Sensibilities 3. Class and Taste: The Literati as the Primary Location of Homosexual Sensibilities 4. Male-Romance in Vogue: From Qianlong to Tongzhi, 1736-1874 5. The Commericalisation of Male Love: The World of Boy-Actors 6. Conclusion Bibliographies Glossary Index