Wu Zhao (624–705); better known as Wu Zetian or Empress Wu; is the only woman to have ruled China as emperor over the course of its 5;000-year history. How did she―in a predominantly patriarchal and androcentric society―ascend the dragon throne? Exploring a mystery that has confounded scholars for centuries; this multifaceted history suggests that China's rich pantheon of female divinities and eminent women played an integral part in the construction of Wu Zhao's sovereignty. Wu Zhao deftly deployed language; symbol; and ideology to harness the cultural resonance; maternal force; divine energy; and historical weight of Buddhist devis; Confucian exemplars; Daoist immortals; and mythic goddesses; establishing legitimacy within and beyond the confines of Confucian ideology. Tapping into powerful subterranean reservoirs of female power; Wu Zhao built a pantheon of female divinities carefully calibrated to meet her needs at court. Her pageant was promoted in scripted rhetoric; reinforced through poetry; celebrated in theatrical productions; and inscribed on steles. Rendered with deft political acumen and aesthetic flair; these affiliations significantly enhanced Wu Zhao's authority and cast her as the human vessel through which the pantheon's divine energy flowed. Her strategy is a model of political brilliance and proof that medieval Chinese women enjoyed a more complex social status than previously known.
#487250 in Books Amy Hollywood 2016-03-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.90 x .80 x 6.00l; 1.00 #File Name: 0231156448416 pagesAcute Melancholia and Other Essays Mysticism History and the Study of Religion Gender Theory and Religion
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The most readable of all her books.By ElizabethI have my Ph.D. in religion and have read all of Amy Hollywood's books. I'm writing this mostly for people that don't read reviews of her books in journals. In general; this is the most readable of her books. I realize that this is not necessarily what scholars are going for; but nonetheless for someone considering buying this book who might not be a specialist in Christian mysticism or Freudian thinking; it is quite possible to read this book and get a lot out of it even if you are not a specialist. It is also possible to get a lot out of this if you are a student or scholar in the field of religion; but the likes of Judith Butler and Amy Hollywood and feminist philosophy are not your normal area of focus. The book is a collection of essays that fit together; but can also be read on their own. Some are adapted from journal articles she has published and are somewhat traditional; but others are personal; there is some use of fiction; and it seems that she feels more comfortable in this book to write in a way that makes sense to her; rather than in a way that makes sense and legitimizes her in the academy. I have seen this with other scholars (for instance; Mark Jordan or Elisabeth Schussler Fiorenza) where their later writing sort of relaxes into the voice and the passions that they have grown over the years in helpful and compelling ways. Of course; it can go awry (Mary Daly for instance; may she rest in peace); but it certainly does not in this book. I found the review that Judith Butler wrote on the back of the book beautiful; readable; and an accurate and helpful review of the book. I suggest you also read that if you are wondering if this book is for you.Overall; I very much recommend this not only to people who might normally read Hollywood's work; but also to much broader audiences who want to grapple with what religious practice can do to us - how we make sense of and live with religious history - and for those that want to more deeply understand "acute melancholia" it all its many names.
