Blending scholarship with an original approach, this new introduction to Confucianism is an informative and intriguing guide to China's ancient philosophical tradition." "Against the backdrop of seventeenth-century China, the book follows a Confucian couple, together with their family, friends and staff, through a typical day. The result offers a fascinating insight, not only into the intellectual and scholarly aspects of Confucianism, but also into the nature of belief, culture and society in a living philosophical tradition. The key topics covered include: the intellectual and social role of women; Confucianism, art and poetry; and the relationship with the Western world and Western faiths." "Capturing the full scope of an ancient tradition, this innovative, well-researched and accessible text will be appreciated by anyone interested in Confucianism - scholars, students and general readers alike.