Chapter 1: Introduction -- Chapter 2: An Overview of Chinese Literary History -- Chapter 3: The Notion of Discursive Communities: A Case Study of Huaigu Poems -- Chapter 4: The Cultural Tang and Temple Visiting Poems -- Chapter 5: The Alter Ego Perspectives and Literary Historiography.

Min Wang’s book is a unique contribution to Chinese studies. Starting with a detailed survey of dozens of histories of Chinese literature authored in the past century by Chinese, Japanese, and Western scholars, she applies a highly sophisticated analysis to what she calls “literary historiography.” She proceeds in the bulk of the book to a close consideration of Stephen Owen’s particular innovations in this field, focusing on an abundance of specific textual examples. This book sets a new standard for literary meta-history in Sinology.   Paul W. Kroll Professor of Chinese University of Colorado   Paul W. Kroll Professor of Chinese University of Colorado