Han Dynasty Agriculture: The Origin and Characteristics of China's Agricultural Economy

Author: Xu Zongyuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: This book primarily discusses the process and characteristics of the transition of Han Dynasty agriculture to a market economy. Since the Han Dynasty established this trend, Chinese agriculture over the past two thousand years, despite fluctuations and changes, has maintained its fundamental form, repeatedly shifting yet always returning to a market economy framework. The author, Xu Zongyuan, argues that while modern Chinese industry and commerce follow the path of Western-style market economy, they have neglected the "three rural sectors" (agriculture, rural areas, and farmers). Addressing the "three rural sectors" issue should still seek answers from the characteristics of traditional Chinese agricultural economy. The book consists of two parts. The first part is an analysis of Han Dynasty agriculture: government measures to address population and land issues, land becoming a sought-after wealth, farmers' livelihoods, agricultural resources, farming methods and techniques, and alternatives to farming. The second part primarily compiles relevant literature on Han Dynasty agriculture, accompanied by academic annotations, related maps, data, and various tables, as well as a detailed bibliography and index. Agriculture in the Han Dynasty may be a scholarly work, but it is fundamentally a book that cares for the people. The entire book is filled with the author's deep respect for Chinese farmers, while the academic exploration of the distant Han Dynasty agriculture reflects the author's pure heart and commitment to the world.