Homoerotic Sensibilities in Late Imperial China is the richest exploration to date of late imperial Chinese literati interest in male love. Employing primary sources such as miscellanies, poetry, fiction and 'flower guides', Wu Cuncun argues that male homoeroticism played a central role in the cultural life of late imperial Chinese literati elites. Countering recent arguments that homosexuality was marginal and disparaged during this period, the book also seeks to trace the relationship of homoeroticism to status and power.In addition to historical portraits and analysis, the book also advances the concept of 'sensibilities' as a method for interpreting the complex range of homoerotic texts produced in late imperial China.
Author(s): Wu Cuncun
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 256
Book Cover......Page 1
Half-Title......Page 2
Series......Page 3
Title......Page 5
Copyright......Page 6
Dedication......Page 7
Contents......Page 9
Foreword......Page 11
Acknowledgements......Page 16
Reign periods, late imperial China......Page 18
1 Introduction......Page 20
2 Historical origins of Qing male homoerotic sensibilities......Page 45
3 Class and taste......Page 71
4 Male-romance in vogue......Page 99
5 The commercialization of malelove......Page 130
6 Conclusion......Page 171
Appendix......Page 178
Notes......Page 200
Bibliography-Chinese......Page 230
Bibliography-Western......Page 240
Index......Page 244
