Publisher's Synopsis
This authoritive study of Chinese Drama has been long overdue. Johnson removes popular fallacies such as the idea that Chinese plays are long enough to last many hours or even days. Johnston gives an illiminating historical outline and traces the development of the drama down to the present day. Johnston's work is a sure sign that intellectual circles are asking questions and showing interest in the origin of Chinese theater, its historical development, current status and its future. This interest will probably only grow to the great benefit of an art so well for the Chinese genius and his taste for dramatic representation.
