China & Inner Asia: Table of Contents
Organizer and Chair: David Rolston, University of Michigan
Discussants: Wilt Idema, Leiden University; David R. Knechtges, University of Washington; Victor H. Mair, University of Pennsylvania; Helwig Schmidt-Glintzer, Herzog August Bibliothek; Pauline R. Yu, University of California, Los Angeles
Anthologies, histories, and references works for national literatures have profound effects on how those literatures are studied and even conceived. It is through these works that literary canons are both solidified and modified. A number of such works on Chinese literature for the reader of English have appeared recently, and many more new projects are in the works. Besides being specialists in Chinese literature, the members of the panel for this roundtable all have experience with the compilation of anthologies or reference works on Chinese literature, some are also specialists on traditional Chinese anthologies and reference works. They will be asked to briefly outline their past experience as well as their hopes for the future. The bulk of the time will be given over to audience questions and discussion. This roundtable will be especially important in how it might affect the compilation of new works of this type, but it should also promote better understanding and usage of those works we already have available to us.
Anthologies and histories of literature are basic tools for all of us who teach literature or even cultural history, yet there is a tendency to take them for granted or merely grumble about their inadequacies or lack. This roundtable will provide an opportunity to discuss both practical issues (how heavy a book can you expect students to carry around?) and theoretical concerns (should anthologies in English reflect Chinese anthologies, or should they present new interpretations and concerns?).