The Making of Barbarians

Focusing on the significance of literary translation in pre-1850 China, this account examines how Chinese literature established its own center while engaging with foreign influences. Haun Saussy explores the undervaluation of translation and adaptation within a rich literary tradition that often overshadowed others. By analyzing works translated from foreign languages and the interactions with different cultures, the book sheds light on China's unique literary landscape and its complex relationship with outsiders before European contact.