Short description: The culmination of the life-long study and research on China of a leading British sinologist, The Hall of Light covers traditional Chinese monarchy religion, worship, ritual, sacrifices, customs, and all aspects of early Chinese culture.

This book is a close examination of Chinese traditions concerning the ancient Chinese institution known as the Ming T'ang, rendered in the title as the “Hall of Light,” and the sacrificial rituals connected with it. Soothill does not offer a mere summary of the Chinese accounts of the Ming T'ang but an interpretation of those in the light of comparative anthropology and of the history of ancient astronomy. This is the culmination of the life-long study and research on China of a leading British sinologist, The Hall of Light illuminates traditional Chinese ideas about monarchy, religion, worship, ritual, sacrifices, customs, and all aspects of early Chinese culture, which have influenced the thought and behaviour of the Chinese for well over two millennia. This is a study that will be of value to sinologues, anthropologists, and students of comparative astronomy and religion, as well as anyone with an interest in Chinese tradition and thought.

Reverend William Edward Soothill (23.01.1861-14.05.1935) became Professor of Chinese at Oxford University. He was missionary of United Methodist Church at Wenchow and President of Imperial University of Shansi Province. Publications: A Mission in China, 1907 The Analects of Confucius, 1910 China and West, 1925 China and England, 1928 The Hall of Light, 1951