It is arguably Confucianism, not Communism, which lies at the core of China#x19;s deepest sense of self. Although reviled by Chinese intellectuals of the 1950s-1990s, who spoke of it as #x1C;yellow silt clotting the arteries of the country,#x1C; Confucianism has defied eradication, remaining a fundamental part of the nation#x19;s soul for 2500 years. And now, as China assumes greater ascendancy on the world economic stage, it is making a strong comeback as a pragmatic philosophy of personal as well as corporate transformation, popular in both home and boardroom. What is this complex system of ideology that stems from the teachings of a remarkable man called Confucius (Kongzi), who lived in the distant sixth century BCE? Though he left no writings of his own, the oral teachings recorded by the founder#x19;s disciples in theAnalectsleft a profound mark on later Chinese politics and governance. They outline a system of social cohesiveness dependent upon personal virtue and self-control. For Confucius, society#x19;s harmony relied upon the appropriate behaviour of each individual within the social hierarchy; and its emphasis on practical ethics has led many to think of Confucianism as a secular philosophy rather than a religion. In this new, comprehensive introduction, Ronnie Littlejohn argues rather that Confucianism is profoundly spiritual, and must be treated as such. He offers full coverage of the tradition#x19;s sometimes neglected metaphysics, as well as its varied manifestations in education, art, literature and culture.