Ways of heaven An introduction to Chinese thought

As Sterckx (Chinese history, science, and civilization, Univ. of Cambridge, UK) reveals early on in this book, he does not approach his subject in the typical way--i.e., he offers no metaphysical or epistemological theses or arguments. Instead the reader gets an elaborate, allegorical narrative using imaginative figurative analogies (battlefields, being a tourist in a busy city, a full meal), much like those in ancient Chinese texts. In other words, instead of bringing Chinese thought to the reader's world, Sterckx allows the reader to navigate the Chinese world. This reviewer experienced something akin to taking a carefully planned tour that not only visits the most important landmarks (the chapter themes) but teaches the stories and reasons behind those landmarks. Just as one would be comfortable visiting and exploring a city after such a tour, the reader comes away from this volume feeling comfortable delving into more of Chinese thought. The chapters are thematic, unifying rather than antagonizing the main players (especially the Confucians and Daoists). This is a delightful introduction to Chinese thought. Summing Up: Essential. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers. --Dominic P. Prianti, Gannon University

Sterckx (The Animal and the Daemon in Early China), professor of Chinese history at Cambridge University, masterfully guides readers through the foundations of classical Chinese philosophical and spiritual thought in this splendid work. He focuses primarily on Confucian, Daoist, and legalist thought as the three main philosophical strands with origins in ancient China that are still identifiable in modern times. Sterckx begins with a historical summary and introduction to the concept of Dao, before dividing the rest of the work into thematic chapters--including government, ritual behavior, the relation of individuals to one another and their ancestors, the natural world, and economic behavior. Sterckx is at his best explicating the philosophy of Confucius, clearly showing how the philosopher "argued that human relationships thrive better when human conduct is regimented and shielded by a phalanx of rituals, ceremonies, courtesies and conventions." Sterckx grounds the book in the buildup to China's Warring States period, which reinforces his idea that Chinese philosophies arose from political and social events--which strikes a contrast to Greek philosophies of a similar era which strove for an ideal of thought outside of the bounds of everyday human interaction. The firm historical grounding and Sterckx's clear, concise writing make this an excellent volume. (Sept.)