New Biography of Wang Yangming: Politics and Philosophy in Early 16th Century China

This book is a unique blend of scholarly rigour and popular appeal, offering an innovative approach to biographical literature. It presents the life and philosophy of Wang Yang-ming, along with the political, social, and cultural context of 16th-century Ming Dynasty China. Covering various aspects of Wang Yang-ming's life, including his career, philosophical thoughts, personal life, poetry, prose, and teaching, the book explores the development of his influential ideas such as innate knowing, the unity of knowledge and action, and the mind and the world. Additionally, it provides insights into the turbulent political landscape of the Ming Dynasty, including the power struggles of eunuchs and the rebellions of vassal kings and ethnic minorities, offering a glimpse into the rise and fall of the dynasty.