For its extensive research and novel interpretations, Dasan's
Noneo gogeum ju (
Old and New Commentaries of the Analects) is considered in Korean Studies a crystallization of Dasan's study of the Confucian classics. Dasan (Jeong Yak-yong: 1762-1836) attempted to synthesize and supersede the
lengthy scholarly tradition of the classical studies of the
Analects, leading to work that not only proved to be one of the greatest achievements of Korean Confucianism but also definitively demonstrated innovative prospects for the study of Confucian philosophy. It is one of the most groundbreaking
works among all Confucian legacies in East Asia. Originally consisting of forty volumes in traditional bookbinding,
Noneo gogeum ju contains one hundred and seventy-five new interpretations on the
Analects, hundreds of arguments about the neo-Confucian commentaries on the
Analects, hundreds of
references to scholarly works on the
Analects, thousands of supporting quotations from various East Asian classics for the author's arguments, and hundreds of philological discussions. This book is the fourth volume of an English translation of
Noneo gogeum ju and includes the translator's comments
on the innovative ideas and interpretations of Dasan's commentaries.
