The half-dozen generations from 100 B.C. to A.D. 100 were epoch-making in Chinese history, and there is a real need for "vignetting sketches of manner, character, and thought" based on documents identifiable as to date and authorship. Fortunately such documents are available in the fu (Chinese literary form) on the Two Capitals by Pan Ku and Chang Heng. Insights into Han life and beliefs are offered through the translation and paraphrase of the fu, with extensive critique and commentary.
Originally published in 1960. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.