
In the history of Chinese calligraphy, few are more famous than the eighth-century statesman Yan Zhenqing (709-785). His style is still taught today as a standard, and Chinese bookstores the world over stock inexpensive reproductions of his works for sale as copybooks.

Arguing for the political rather than purely aesthetic basis for Yan Zhenqing's (709-785) reputation in Chinese calligraphy, the text posits that it was due to a handful of influential and well-educated men in the 11th century, who sought advancement by associating themselves...