Summary
In ancient Chinese civilization, emperors were revered as the direct descendants of the gods, who ruled all of nature and the heavens. Animal bones were consulted as oracles to answer the great questions of life and death, and ancestral spirits were thought to roam the earth, negotiating with the gods on behalf of the living. From the legends of the Eight Immortals to the teachings of Confucius, Chinese Mythology A to Z, Second Edition provides a refreshing, insightful look at the stories and myths that open a window onto this civilization.
Coverage includes:
- Buddhist deities and legendary characters
- Animal stories, such as the fox legends
- Important locations, such as shrines and sacred places
- Allegorical figures, such as the Jade Emperor, the Rain Master, and the Lord of the Granary
- And more.
Specifications
Full-color photographs, illustrations, and maps. Bibliography. Cross-references. Appendix. Index.
About the Author(s)
Jeremy Roberts has published nearly two dozen books for young readers. His recent books include biographies of King Arthur and Joan of Arc. He has studied mythology for more than a decade, and two of his novels for adults, Coyote Bird and War Breaker, make extensive use of motifs from Asian mythology.