Communication, Civilization and China Discovering the Tang Dynasty (618–907)

Referencing more than 40 ancient works as well as 70 books and papers of contemporary scholars, this book opens up the civilization, society, culture and communication of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang period represented unprecedented prosperity in the ancient world. Combining the socio-cultural background of ancient China and academic achievements of modern times, this book presents an intensive and in-depth exploration of the communicative organisations, methods and ideas of that period. The book looks at Tang methods of communication, from the postal delivery system and first newspaper to military communication in times of peace and war. It also considers questions of literature, poetry and public space as well as the impact of folk culture and communication on the Tang Dynasty, and examines the intellectual atmosphere of the time and debates surrounding freedom of speech and thought, positioning the Tang Dynasty as the end of the classic world and the beginning of modern society. 

Introduction.- Capital Liaison Office and Ancient Postal System.- Government Gazette and Chin-tsou-yüen Report.- Hsi-shu and Lu-pu.- Beacon Fire, Placard and Imperial Diaries.- Thoughts on News Communication.- Scholars and Their Communication.- Ancient Letters and Brush-note Novels.- Wall Inscription Style Poems.- The Communication of Ordinary People.- Conclusion.