In this new book, Gardner translates the essential teaching of the new Confucian philosophical system that was forged by Zhu Xi, who contributed greatly to Chinese philosophy and fundamentally reshaped the country's worldview during the Song dynasty (960-1279). Zhu Xi: Basic Teachings (Columbia University Press) features selections from the Classified Conversations of Master Zhu, a collection of Zuh’s conversations with disciples. Gardner, an emeritus professor of history at Smith College who specializes in the cultural and intellectual history of premodern China and the country’s environment today, offers readers an accessible and conversational way to learn about Zhu Xi and Confucian teachings.
