Homoerotic Sensibilities in Late Imperial China

Homoerotic Sensibilities in Late Imperial China is the richest exploration to date of late imperial Chinese literati interest in male love. Employing primary sources such as miscellanies, poetry, fiction and 'flower guides', Wu Cuncun argues that male homoeroticism played a central role in the cultural life of late imperial Chinese literati elites. Countering recent arguments that homosexuality was marginal and disparaged during this period, the book also seeks to trace the relationship of homoeroticism to status and power. In addition to historical portraits and analysis, the book also advances the concept of 'sensibilities' as a method for interpreting the complex range of homoerotic texts produced in late imperial China.

Wu Cuncun is Associate Professor in Classical Chinese Literature, School of Chinese, at the University of Hong Kong.

1. Introduction  2. Historical Origins of Qing Male Homoerotic Sensibilities  3. Class and Taste: The Literati as the Primary Location of Homosexual Sensibilities  4. Male-Romance in Vogue: From Qianlong to Tongzhi, 1736-1874  5. The Commericalisation of Male Love: The World of Boy-Actors  6. Conclusion  Bibliographies  Glossary  Index