Rituals of recruitment in Tang China : reading an annual programme in the Collected statements by Wang Dingbao (870-940) / by Oliver J. Moore.

Includes bibliographical references (p. [355]-379) and index.

Annotation This study analyzes records of annual ritual performances in order to trace the emergence of the culture of civil service examination recruitment in its social and political contexts during China's Tang dynasty (618-907).

Annotation Based on translations of an unique Tang text, the "Collected Statements, this work explores a worthy social commentary on the examination life that its compiler witnessed. <BR>Gradually providing a full picture of the civil service examination, it describes the emergence of the literary culture surrounding civil service examination recruitment during China's Tang dynasty (618-907); considers the series of rituals that Tang examination candidates underwent throughout the annual examinations; contrasts lavish court ceremonies of the early Tang period with more private rituals of acknowledgement that became fashionable in the second half of the dynasty. <BR>An annual programme of rituals became the cardinal definition of examination recruitment for both participants and onlookers. With valuable insights into the political and social tensions in the Tang history of competitive examination degrees.

1. The annual programme of examination recruitment -- 2. Wang Dingbao and the compilation of collected statements -- 3. Selections in the prefectures -- 4. Ceremonies of induction -- 5. Experiences of the examination ground -- 6. Ceremonies of gratitude -- 7. Celebrations of success -- 8. Conclusion -- App. Contents and sources of the collected statements.