Title: An in-depth look into the history of chinese aesthetics
Review: This book is exceptional in that it is a thorough journey through the long historical development of Chinese art. It begins with the Xia dynasty (2100-1600 B.C.) and ends with the Qing (1636-1911). It is, thus, an exposition of classical chinese art. The author discusses poetry, painting, calligraphy, and music as they changed and progressed through the ages. There is an emphasis on the development of Chinese society and the effects that it had on the arts. It is as if the arts act as a mirror that reflects the trends of society, whether they be progress, prosperity, war and bloodshed, etc. As an example, Dr. Li discusses the influence that religion had on the arts including Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. I enjoyed this work, however it appears that the author is well-versed specifically in the developments of Chinese poetry, for greater attention is paid to this art, the result being a glossing over of the other arts.
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