Description
Book SynopsisTraces the history of the Jesuits' invention of Confucius and of themselves as native defenders of Confucius' teaching. This book demonstrates how sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Western missionaries used translations of the ancient ru tradition to invent the historical figure who has since been globally celebrated as philosopher, and prophet.
Trade Review“A thesis that will scandalize cultural purists: the ‘Confucius’ we love, honor and emulate springs from the intercultural trafficking of seventeenth-century Jesuit missionaries. Jensen argues his case on many planes, with nuance and bedrock affection for both China and sinology.”—Haun Saussy, Stanford University, and author of
The Problem of a Chinese Aesthetic“Jensen makes his case with a forceful combination of detailed sinological research and rigorous reasoning. It is certain to be a focus of discussion for many decades to come. Indeed, it will be a significant milestone in the field.”—Hoyt Cleveland Tillman, Arizona State University, and author of
Confucian Discourse and Chu Hsi’s Ascendancy
