Bringing together over sixty pre-modern Chinese primary sources on same-sex desire in English translation, Homoeroticism in Imperial China is an important addition to the growing field of the comparative history of sexuality and provides a window onto the continuous cultural relevance of same-sex desire in Chinese history. Negotiating what can be a challenging area for both specialists and non-specialists alike, this sourcebook provides: accurate translations of key original extracts from classical Chinese concise explanations of the context and significance of each entry translations which preserve the aesthetic quality of the original sources An authoritative and well organised guide and introduction to the original Chinese sources, this sourcebook covers histories and philosophers, poetry, drama (including two complete plays), fiction (including four complete short stories and full chapters from longer novels) and miscellanies. Each of these sections are organised chronologically, and as well as the general introduction, short introductions are provided for each genre and source. Revealing what is a remarkably sophisticated and complex literary tradition, Homoeroticism in Imperial China is an essential sourcebook for students and scholars of Imperial Chinese history and culture and sexuality studies.

Homoerotic Sensibilities in Late Imperial China is the richest exploration to date of late imperial Chinese literati interest in male love. Employing primary sources such as miscellanies, poetry, fiction and 'flower guides', Wu Cuncun argues that male homoeroticism played a central role in the cultural life of late imperial Chinese literati elites. Countering recent arguments that homosexuality was marginal and disparaged during this period, the book also seeks to trace the relationship of homoeroticism to status and power. In addition to historical portraits and analysis, the book also advances the concept of 'sensibilities' as a method for interpreting the complex range of homoerotic texts produced in late imperial China.

"Homoerotic Sensibilities in Late Imperial China" is the richest exploration to date of late imperial Chinese literati interest in male-love. Employing primary sources such as miscellanies (including diaries and letters), poetry, fiction and "flower guides," the author argues that male homoeroticism played a central role in cultural life of late imperial Chinese literati elites. Countering recent arguments that homosexuality was marginalized and disparaged during this period, this book also seeks to trace the relationship of homoeroticism to status and power, arguing that existing paradigms for the study of sexuality, centered on identity and behavior, must be extended and placed within the larger context of a sexual culture. Only with this shift in methodological focus is it possible to accurately account for the distinctive character of homoerotic sensibilities in late imperial China.
In addition to historical analysis the book also develops the concept of "sensibilities" as a methodfor interpreting the complex range of homoerotic texts produced in late imperial China, recognizing a need to think about sexuality not only in terms of behavior and identity but also in terms of culture: not necessarily national culture, but particular cultures in which practices and identities are given meaning and evaluated. Such an approach, employing a combination of historical and textual strategies, allows us to account for the rise in homoeroticism in late Qing China as a significant and far reaching sensibility (feng) that in turn acted upon the wider cultural landscape.