In just thirteen brief, accessible chapters, this engaging little book takes 'absolute beginners' from the most basic questions about the language (e.g., what does a classical Chinese character look like?) to reading and understanding selections from classical Chinese philosophical texts and Tang dynasty poetry.

'Van Norden has pulled off the seemingly impossible. With his direction, a serious student could make real headway in learning classical Chinese — while learning a great deal about early Chinese thought as well.' — Robert E. Hegel, Washington University in St. Louis