This book is the most detailed study to date on the entertainment system in the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) of China. It discusses entertainment institutions not only of the local and central governments, but also of city commoners. There are many kinds of performers mentioned in the stories and historical materials of the Tang, which has led to some confusion with institutions left over from the Song Dynasty (960-1279AD). This book clarifies such issues, in addition to resolving the question of the origin of Ci in ancient Chinese art and literature.
Muses and Measures
This book is required reading for humanistic disciplines. Too often, scholars present theories without knowing how to test them empirically. In an engaging way, the authors teach statistics, leading students through projects to analyze their own gathered data.
