Contents -- Acknowledgements -- Note to the reader -- 1. The annual programme of examination recruitment -- The origins and development of the examination system -- Degree titles -- Syllabi in the annual examinations -- The birth of an examination society -- Ritual performances -- 2. Wang Dingbao and the compilation of Collected Statements -- The life of the compiler -- The compilation of the text -- Documentary sources in Collected Statements -- Conclusion -- 3. Selections in the prefectures -- The rising status of Tang tribute scholars -- Early and late Tang engagements with prefectural examinations -- The status of "degree-worthy" -- Reforms of prefectural selections at the capital -- Conclusion -- 4. Ceremonies of induction -- Recruitment as enactments of state ritual -- The community wine-drinking ceremony -- The court assembly -- The visit to the former teachers -- Conclusion -- 5. Experiences of the examination ground -- Visits to examination patrons -- Examination sessions -- Lyrical views of the examination ground -- Announcing the results -- Conclusion -- 6. Ceremonies of gratitude -- Hopeful gatherings -- The ceremony of gratitude -- The ceremony of gratitude and factionalism -- The procession through the Hall -- Conclusion -- 7. Celebrations of success -- The formation of a jinshi association and its agenda -- The development of the Qujiang resort -- The organization of Qujiang banquets -- Examinations and the Chang'an seasonal calendar -- Examination celebrations as records of Chang'an social life -- Conclusion -- 8. Conclusion -- Appendix: Contents and Sources of the Collected Statements -- Cited works -- Chinese character list -- Index -- A -- B -- C -- D -- E -- F -- G -- H -- J -- K -- L -- M -- N -- O -- P -- Q -- R -- S -- T -- V -- W -- X -- Y -- Z.