Early Chinese Writing (1906)

Early Chinese Writing is a book written by Frank Herring Chalfant in 1906. The book focuses on the early forms of Chinese writing, which date back to the Shang dynasty (16th-11th century BCE). Chalfant provides a detailed analysis of the inscriptions found on oracle bones and bronze vessels, which were used for divination and ritual purposes during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The book is divided into two parts. The first part provides a historical overview of the Shang and Zhou dynasties, the development of Chinese writing, and the discovery of oracle bones and bronze vessels. The second part of the book is dedicated to the analysis of the inscriptions found on these artifacts. Chalfant examines the structure, grammar, and vocabulary of the inscriptions, and provides translations and interpretations of their meanings. Early Chinese Writing is considered a seminal work in the field of Chinese paleography, and has been widely cited by scholars in the field. The book is written in a scholarly style and assumes a certain level of familiarity with Chinese history and culture. However, it remains accessible to general readers with an interest in the origins of Chinese writing and the early history of China.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.