Comparative Journeys: Essays on Literature and Religion East and West pdf

Anthony Christopher Yu, an American scholar, was renowned for his expertise in literature, religion, and Sinology. His academic journey led him to become the Carl Darling Buck Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the Humanities and Professor Emeritus of Religion and Literature at the Chicago Divinity School. He was also affiliated with various departments at the University of Chicago, including Comparative Literature, East Asian Languages and Civilizations, and English Language and Literature, in addition to being part of the Committee on Social Thought.

Throughout his prolific career, Yu made significant contributions to the fields of religion and comparative literature. One of his most notable achievements was the four-volume translation of "Journey to the West," one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, into English.

Born on October 6, 1938, in Hong Kong, Yu's family background included his father, Pak Chuen Yu, a general in the Chinese Nationalist Army, and his mother, Norma Sau Chan. After the war, he relocated with his parents to Taiwan. Later on, Yu pursued his education in the United States, earning a bachelor's degree from Houghton College and furthering his studies in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary (S.T.B) and the University of Chicago (Ph.D.).

Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Yu received various honors and awards, including elected membership in the American Council of Learned Societies and Academia Sinica. Additionally, he was a recipient of the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship and Mellon Foundation grant.

Anthony Christopher Yu passed away in 2015 due to heart failure, leaving behind a profound legacy in the fields of literature, religion, and Sinology.

Comparative Journeys: Essays on Literature and Religion East and West pdf by Anthony C. Yu

In the book titled "Comparative Journeys: Essays on Literature and Religion East and West," written by Anthony C. Yu, the author explores a wide array of topics concerning the intersection of literature and religion in both Eastern and Western contexts. The table of contents showcases the diverse range of subjects covered in the book.

The book comprises sixteen essays, each delving into unique aspects of literature and religion.

Yu begins by analyzing tragic theology in "Prometheus Bound" and explores the concept of freedom and the image of God in "Paradise Lost." The implications for Christology in "Paradise Regained" are examined, offering fresh perspectives on religious themes in these Western literary masterpieces.

The book also delves into Chinese-Western literary relations and the narrative structure of "The Journey to the West," a timeless Chinese classic. By drawing parallels between "The Commedia" and "The Journey to the West," Yu illuminates the theme of religious pilgrimage in literature.

Further, Yu delves into the relationship between religion and literature in China, particularly focusing on "The Journey to the West" and its profound spiritual connotations.

The exploration of religious elements extends to "traditional Chinese prose fiction," where ghosts and spirits hold significance. Yu then shifts focus to philosophical discussions on names in both the Western work "Cratylus" and the Chinese classic "Xunzi."

Moreover, "Comparative Journeys" offers an insightful analysis of ethics, politics, and rhetoric in the "Daodejing," an ancient Chinese text.

The book also takes on a comparative view of liberal education, discusses the impact of religious reception in translation, and explores the relationship between Confucianism and the prospect of human rights.

Finally, Yu navigates the complex territory of China and human rights, examining the interplay between ancient values and modern realities.

The book's diverse scope and meticulous analysis make it an essential read for scholars and students interested in the interconnections between literature and religion, both in the East and the West.