Dear Colleagues:
In a 1994 article on Wu Zhao that appears in *Imperial Rulershp and
Cultural Change in Traditional China*, Chen Joshui mentions the late Tang
Song sisters and the composition of the 女論語. Then in a footnote he says,
"This text is apparently a later forgery," explaining that the Xin Tangshu
and Jiu Tangshu both say the work was "written in the form of dialogues
between ancient learned and virtuous women," (which is not true of the
existing version) and adding that the "present version contains twelve
chapters, whereas the original work had ten."
Does anyone know more about this? I have looked online (in English and
Chinese) and in sourcebooks that include translations of the 女論語, and have
seen no other mention that it may be a forgery. But I have to say that,
looking at it that with that perspective, there are some good reasons
(especially its emphasis on chastity) to think it might well be. Any
insights would be appreciated!
Best,
Beverly
--
Beverly Bossler
Chair, Department of East Asian Studies
Professor of East Asian Studies and History
Brown University
Box 1850
(401) 863-9764
Providence, RI 02912
