The Craft of Oblivion

Forgetting and Memory in Ancient China

By Albert Galvany | Publisher: State University of New York Press

About the book

The Craft of Oblivion is an innovative and groundbreaking volume that aims to study, for the first time, the intersections between forgetting and remembering in classical Chinese civilization. Oblivion has tended to be relegated to a marginal position, often conceived as the mere destructive or undesirable opposite of memory, even though it performs an essential function in our lives. Forgetting and memory, far from being autonomous and mutually exclusive spheres, should be seen as interdependent phenomena. Drawing on perspectives from history, philosophy, literature, and religion, and examining both transmitted texts and excavated materials, the contributors to this volume analyze various ways of understanding oblivion and its complex and fertile relations with memory in ancient China.

Editions of The Craft of Oblivion

Hardcover
ISBN 9781438493756
Paperback
ISBN 9781438493763
PDF
ISBN 9781438493770

Read an Excerpt

The Craft of Oblivion is an innovative and groundbreaking volume that aims to study, for the first time, the intersections between forgetting and remembering in classical Chinese civilization. Oblivion has tended to be relegated to a marginal position, often conceived as the mere destructive or undesirable opposite of memory, even though it performs an essential function in our lives. Forgetting and memory, far from being autonomous and mutually exclusive spheres, should be seen as interdependent phenomena. Drawing on perspectives from history, philosophy, literature, and religion, and examining both transmitted texts and excavated materials, the contributors to this volume analyze various ways of understanding oblivion and its complex and fertile relations with memory in ancient China.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Craft of Oblivion about?

The Craft of Oblivion is an innovative and groundbreaking volume that aims to study, for the first time, the intersections between forgetting and remembering in classical Chinese civilization. Oblivion has tended to be relegated to a marginal position, often conceived as the mere destructive or undesirable opposite of memory, even though it performs an essential function in our lives. Forgetting and memory, far from being autonomous and mutually exclusive spheres, should be seen as interdependent phenomena. Drawing on perspectives from history, philosophy, literature, and religion, and examining both transmitted texts and excavated materials, the contributors to this volume analyze various ways of understanding oblivion and its complex and fertile relations with memory in ancient China.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Craft of Oblivion?

History and Archaeology > History > Asian history

Where can I read a sample of The Craft of Oblivion?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438493756

How long is The Craft of Oblivion and how many pages does it have?

The Craft of Oblivion has 380 page(s)

Is The Craft of Oblivion part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series SUNY series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Craft of Oblivion?

Albert Galvany

Who is the Publisher of the book The Craft of Oblivion?

State University of New York Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Craft of Oblivion is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438493756) and paperback(ISBN 9781438493763) and pdf(ISBN 9781438493770)

Where can I buy The Craft of Oblivion online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy The Craft of Oblivion?