This book originates from my doctoral dissertation, completed at the University
of Naples “L’Orientale” under the supervision of Prof. Donatella Guida. She is
the first person I wish to thank: a mentor, an inspiration and a friend, whose
guidance has accompanied me in the world of academia ever since.
Prof. Marc A. Matten introduced me to the methodology of conceptual history. In my almost three years as a researcher at the University of Erlangen,
he played a fundamental role in the further development not only of the
present work, but of my Sinological research in general. Together with them,
other friends and colleagues, in Italy and in Germany, contributed to this project with their suggestions, observations and comments: Chiara Ghidini, Luca
Stirpe, Lisa Indraccolo, Phillip Grimberg, Anne Schmiedl, Renée Krusche,
Michael Hoeckelmann.
The two anonymous reviewers offered some precious hints and equally
precious criticism, and the editors at Brill (Qin Higley, Lauren Bissonette and
Elizabeth You) made this book possible.
Finally, Ben Young helped with the copyediting in the best possible way.
And Luca deserves a special thanks for his patience, and his support, during
my years as a PhD student.