Rumor in the Early Chinese Empires

A major historical study of the formation, spread and impact of rumor in the early Chinese empires.

Zongli Lu (Author)

9781108479264, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 11 March 2021

396 pages
23 x 15 x 2.8 cm, 0.7 kg

This is the first English translation of Lu Zongli's major study of rumor in the early Chinese empires. Lu explores how rumor, a non-official form of public opinion, formed and spread through non-official channels of early Chinese history. In this careful investigation, Lu utilizes sources concerning dynastic politics, popular songs, mythology and prophetic texts, dissecting the nature, function and impact of rumor on politics and culture. His work demonstrates the ways that historians can examine views outside of mainstream thinking, interpret group mentality and try to understand the atmosphere of a specific moment in history.

1. Disseminated talk and unverifiable talk
2. Portentous talk
3. Popular songs and rhymes
4. Chen prophecy and prophetic rhyme
5. Political myths and popular legends
6. Observations and thoughts.

Subject Areas: Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], Asian history [HBJF], Regional & national history [HBJ], History [HB], Humanities [H]