The Essentials of Governance

Wu Jing's eighth-century collection of dialogues between Emperor Taizong and his officials is a seminal work in East Asian literature.

Wu Jing (Author), Hilde De Weerdt (Edited and translated by), Glen Dudbridge (Edited and translated by), Gabe van Beijeren (Edited and translated by)

9781108831048, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 January 2021

442 pages
22.2 x 14.3 x 2.6 cm, 0.63 kg

In the eighth century, Wu Jing selected exchanges between Emperor Taizong and his ministers that he deemed key to good governance. This collection of dialogues has been used for the education of emperors, political elites and general readers ever since, and is a standard reference work in East Asian political thought. Consisting of ten volumes, subdivided into forty topics, The Essentials of Governance addresses core themes of Chinese thinking about the politics of power, from the body politic, presenting and receiving criticism, recruitment, the education of the imperial clan, political virtues and vices, to cultural policy, agriculture, law, taxation, border policy, and how to avoid disaster and dynastic fall. Presented with introductory commentary that offers insights into its historical context and global reception, this accessible and reliable translation brings together ten scholars of Chinese intellectual history to offer a nuanced edition that preserves the organisation, tone and flow of the original.

List of Maps
Notes on Contributors
List of Dynasties
Introduction: The Essentials of Governance from the Reign of Constancy Revealed in Context Hilde De Weerdt and David McMullen
Presentation of The Essentials of Governance from the Reign of Constancy Revealed Hilde De Weerdt
Preface to The Essentials of Governance from the Reign of Constancy Revealed Hilde De Weerdt
Volume I
1. The Way of the Sovereign Jack W. Chen
2. The Organization of Governance Jack W. Chen
Volume II
3. Employing the Wise Hilde De Weerdt
4. Seeking Criticism Hilde De Weerdt
5. Accepting Criticism Hilde De Weerdt
Volume III
6. Lessons from the Past for Sovereign and Officials Chu Mingkin
7. On Selecting Officials Oliver Moor
8. On Enfieffment David McMullen
Volume IV
9. On Determining the Roles of the Crown Prince and the Princes David McMullen
10. On Respecting Tutors David McMullen
11. Instructing and Warning the Crown Prince and the Princes David McMullen
12. Reproving the Crown Prince David McMullen
Volume V
13. On Humaneness and Righteousness Anthony DeBlasi
14. On Loyalty and Righteousness Anthony DeBlasi
15. On Filial Piety and Friendship Anthony DeBlasi
16. On Impartiality Anthony DeBlasi
17. On Sincerity and Trustworthiness Anthony DeBlasi
Volume VI
18. On Frugality and Moderation Gabe van Beijeren
19. On Modesty and Deference Gabe van Beijeren
20. On Being Humane and Compassionate Gabe van Beijeren
21. Caution in One's Preferences Anna M. Shields
22. Caution in Speech Anna M. Shields
23. Obstructing Slander and Sycophancy Anna M. Shields
24. On Regretting One's Faults Anna M. Shields
25. On Profligacy and Recklessness Jack W. Chen
26. On Greed and Baseness Jack W. Chen
Volume VII
27. Honoring Classicist Scholarship Chu Mingkin
28. On Literature and History Chu Mingkin
29. On Rites and Music Chu Mingkin
Volume VIII
30. Dedication to Agriculture Tineke D'Haeseleer
31. On Punishment and Law Tineke D'Haeseleer
32. On Amnesties Tineke D'Haeseleer
33. On Tribute Presentations Oliver Moor
34. Recognizing the Rise and Fall of Dynasties Hilde De Weerdt
Volume IX
35. Debates about Punitive Expeditions Tineke D'Haeseleer
36. Debates about Pacifying the Borders Tineke D'Haeseleer
Volume X
37. On Tours Oliver Moor
38. On Hunting Oliver Moor
39. On Auspicious and Inauspicious Signs Gabe van Beijeren
40. On Remaining Vigilant until the End Gabe van Beijeren
Dramatis Personae
Further Reading.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Politics & government [JP], Sociology [JHB], Social & political philosophy [HPS], Oriental & Indian philosophy [HPDF], Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], General & world history [HBG]