Lost T'ai-chi Classics from the Late Ch'ing Dynasty (Chinese Philosophy and Culture) (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Douglas Wile translates and analyzes four collections of recently released nineteenth-century manuscripts on T'ai-chi ch'uan. These writings of Wu's older brothers Ch'eng-ch'ing and Ju-ch'ing, and his nephew Li I-yu, together with the transmissions of Yang Pan-hou, represent a significant addition to the seminal literature. The rich new texts allow us to make a fresh survey of longstanding issues in T'ai-chi history: the origins of the art; the authorship of the "classics;" the differences between Wu, Yang, and Li; and the roles of Chang San-feng, Wang Tsung-yueh, Chiang Fa, and the formerly missing link, Ch'ang Nai-chou. The original Chinese texts of the four new sets of classics have been appended for the convenience of Chinese readers and scholars.

The book reconsiders the world of the Wu, Yang, and Li families of Yung-nien and reconstructs it against the background of the Opium Wars, the Taiping Rebellion, and the decline of the Manchu dynasty. New biographical sources illuminate the domestic and political lives of the Yung-nien circle and their orientation to the late imperial intellectual trends. The development of T'ai-chi ch'uan in the nineteenth century is explored in the context of China's cultural response to the challenge of the West and the role of body-centered arts in Asia during the drive for independence and the ongoing search for national identity.

Language Notes

Text: English, Chinese --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: State University of New York Press (August 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791426548
• ISBN-13: 978-0791426548
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #445,728 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Serious Tai Chi, April 17, 2000

By	Bob (Boston MA) - See all my reviews

In a market saturated with nonsense that passes as tai chi, it is refreshing that someone has taken the trouble to publish something as potentially useful as this book. Not only does it provide several very old texts on tai chi which were written by acknowledged masters, but it also explores the history of tai chi in a more scholarly manner, rather than passing on half truths about "my teacher once told me that his teacher told him...". Thanks to Douglas Wile for raising the bar on tai chi literature in the US. Hope to see more like this one.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Treasure this, March 27, 2009

By	RB - See all my reviews

This is for those truly interested in Tai Chi such as historians, researchers, long term practitioners. For myself being a researcher of Chinese Martial Arts and trying to unlock the essence and 'true' martial intent of Tai Chi, this book has been a pivotal key in unlocking more pieces to the giant puzzle.

To the layman or even a long time practitioner with no knowledge of fighting these poems may seem like esoteric nonsense. To the individual that understands application and fighting these poems hold the secrets to the application in Tai Chi.

Thank you Mr. Wile for an excellent source in my long journey!