The Substance of Fiction - (Premodern East Asia: New Horizons) by Sophie Volpp

The Substance of Fiction by Sophie Volpp is a groundbreaking work that delves into the relationship between literature and materiality in late Ming and Qing texts.

This book provides a fresh perspective on fictional objects, revealing them as more than just illustrative representations of historical artifacts.

Through a series of in-depth examinations of various objects - including robes, boxes, shells, telescopes, mirrors, and paintings - Volpp argues that these literary depictions are actually signs of fictionality itself, drawing attention to the nature of the relationship between literature and materiality. The Substance of Fiction offers a unique and insightful analysis of late Ming and Qing texts and reading practices, shedding light on the rhetorical strategies employed by individual works of fiction and the conceptions of fictionality during this time period.

By challenging the notion that literary objects offer a transparent lens on the past, Volpp's work invites readers to be aware of the fallibility of perception, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between literature and material culture. Whether you are a scholar of Chinese literature, history, or art history, or simply a lover of great writing, The Substance of Fiction is an essential read.

With its innovative approach and thought-provoking insights, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

So why wait? Order your copy today and discover the fascinating world of late Ming and Qing fiction!