The Columbia Anthology of Yuan Drama: Translations from the Asian Classics

By Wilt L. Idema and Stephen H. West

The Columbia Anthology of Yuan Drama is a collection of 56 plays from the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). This dynasty was a time of great cultural and artistic achievement in China, and the Yuan theater was one of the most important forms of entertainment. The plays in this anthology represent a wide range of styles and genres, from comedies to tragedies to historical dramas. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and values of the people of Yuan China.

The plays in this anthology have been translated into English by two of the world's leading experts on Yuan drama, Wilt L. Idema and Stephen H. West. The translations are accurate and readable, and they capture the spirit and style of the original Chinese texts. The anthology also includes an extensive that provides background information on the Yuan dynasty and its theater. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the plays.

The Columbia Anthology of Yuan Drama (Translations from the Asian Classics)

by James Moore

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1959 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	428 pages

FREE

The Columbia Anthology of Yuan Drama is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Chinese literature, theater, or history. The plays in this anthology are a testament to the creativity and artistry of the people of Yuan China, and they offer a unique glimpse into the world of that time.

Table of Contents

• Plays
• Appendix
• Bibliography
• Index

The Yuan dynasty was a time of great cultural and artistic achievement in China. This dynasty was founded by the Mongols, who conquered China in 1279. The Mongols were a nomadic people from the steppes of Central Asia, and they brought with them a new set of values and customs. These values and customs had a profound influence on Chinese culture, and they can be seen in the art and literature of the Yuan dynasty.

The Yuan theater was one of the most important forms of entertainment during the Yuan dynasty. The plays in this anthology represent a wide range of styles and genres, from comedies to tragedies to historical dramas. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and values of the people of Yuan China.

The plays in this anthology have been translated into English by two of the world's leading experts on Yuan drama, Wilt L. Idema and Stephen H. West. The translations are accurate and readable, and they capture the spirit and style of the original Chinese texts. The anthology also includes an extensive that provides background information on the Yuan dynasty and its theater. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the plays.

Plays

The plays in this anthology are divided into four sections: comedies, tragedies, historical dramas, and miscellaneous plays. The comedies are typically lighthearted and humorous, and they often feature stock characters such as the clever servant or the foolish master. The tragedies are more serious and often deal with themes of love, loss, and betrayal. The historical dramas are based on real events, and they often offer a glimpse into the political and social conditions of the Yuan dynasty. The miscellaneous plays are a mixed bag of genres, and they include everything from farces to morality plays.

Some of the most famous plays in this anthology include:

• The Romance of the Western Chamber by Wang Shifu
• The Chalk Circle by Li Xingdao
• The Orphan of Zhao by Ji Junxiang
• The Injustice to Dou E by Guan Hanqing
• The Lute Song by Gao Ming

These plays are all considered to be masterpieces of Yuan drama, and they continue to be performed today.

Appendix

The appendix includes a number of useful resources, including a glossary of terms, a timeline of the Yuan dynasty, and a map of China during the Yuan dynasty. These resources can be helpful for understanding the plays and the historical context in which they were written.

Bibliography

The bibliography includes a list of works that were consulted in the preparation of this anthology. This list is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Yuan drama.

Index

The index is a comprehensive list of all the people, places, and things that are mentioned in this anthology. This index can be helpful for finding information about specific topics.

The Columbia Anthology of Yuan Drama is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in Chinese literature, theater, or history.

The Columbia Anthology of Yuan Drama (Translations from the Asian Classics)

by James Moore

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1959 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	428 pages

FREE