Sources of Chinese Tradition – William Theodore de Bary – 1960, 2nd edition 1999

Exploring the Foundations of Chinese Thought and Culture

Wm. Theodore de Bary’s Sources of Chinese Tradition offers a comprehensive collection of primary source materials spanning over two millennia of Chinese history. This compilation moves beyond the conventional focus on political history, instead prioritizing the evolution of Chinese thought, belief, and societal values through the voices of its key thinkers, writers, and officials. The selections range from the earliest Confucian and Daoist texts to later developments in Buddhism, Legalism, and Neo-Confucianism, alongside excerpts from historical chronicles, literary works, and philosophical treatises.

Historical / Cultural Context

Published in 1960 (with subsequent editions), this work emerged during a period of increasing Western interest in East Asian cultures. De Bary sought to provide a direct engagement with Chinese intellectual history, moving away from interpretations mediated solely through secondary scholarship. The book responds to the need for accessible primary sources, especially for a readership unfamiliar with Classical Chinese. It reflects a broader trend in scholarship toward source-based historical analysis and a desire to understand cultures on their own terms. It’s significance lies in its pioneering approach to providing an accessible, yet academically rigorous, collection for understanding the core tenets of Chinese civilization.

Who This Book Is For

This anthology is aimed at students and readers interested in Chinese history, philosophy, religion, and culture. It is suitable for both undergraduate courses and independent study. While no prior knowledge of Chinese is required (translations are provided), a background in intellectual history or comparative religion is helpful. The book also appeals to anyone seeking a nuanced understanding of the foundations of East Asian thought and its continuing influence on contemporary society. It functions as an excellent foundation for deeper research into specific periods or schools of thought within the Chinese tradition.

Further Reading

  • The Columbia History of China, edited by Frederic Wakeman Jr.
  • Chinese Thought and Institutions, by Lynn A. de Bary
  • Readings in Chinese Philosophy, translated by Fung Yu-Lan
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