The realignment of the Chinese social order that took place over the course of the Sung dynasty set the pattern for Chinese society throughout most of the later imperial era. This study examines that realignment from the perspective of specific Sung families, using data on two groups of Sung elites--the grand councilors who led the bureaucracy and locally prominent gentlemen in Wu-chou (in modern Chekiang). By analyzing kinship relationships, Bossler demonstrates the importance of family relations to the establishment and perpetuation of social status locally and in the capital. She shows how social position was measured and acted upon, how status shaped personal relationships (and vice versa), and how both status and personal relationships conditioned--and were conditioned by--political success. Finally, in a contribution to the ongoing discussion of localism in the Sung, Bossler details the varied networks that connected the local elite to the capital and elsewhere.

The Chinese Recorder Index is the only complete index and research guide to the Chinese Recorder andissionary Recorder. The core of this monumental work is three separate indexes: p liThe Persons Index includes every individual who is mentioned at least four times over the run of the journal. Index entries for each person are keyed to indicate the location of such biographical information as his or her title, denominational affiliation, dates and locations of service in China, and names of spouse and children, as well as any articles he or she contributed to the Recorder./lip liThe Missions and Organizations Index includes references to mission locations, personnel, finances, converts made, attacks sustained, and other data, and to hospitals, schools, opium refuges, and orphanages./lip liThe Subject Index includes references to the many topics covered in the Recorder./lip Following these indexes are lists that provide quick reference to specific information, such as persons and missions by location, women, and medical doctors.