History of Chinese Civilization (Volume 4)

Author: Yuan Xingpei et al. (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: This book is an academic work co-authored by the Institute of Sinology at Peking University, representing an interdisciplinary approach. It upholds the perspective that the creation of civilization is both the history of human creation and the history of human evolution. It correspondingly aligns material civilization, political civilization, and spiritual civilization with the relationship between humans and nature, the organizational structure of human society, and the human mind, showcasing their intricate connections and providing a comprehensive description to highlight the creativity of the Chinese nation and the enduring process of Chinese civilization. The book divides Chinese civilization into four periods, basing the division on major transformations in Chinese civilization's history. It meticulously depicts the characteristics, highlights, and intergenerational relationships of each period, emphasizing the key factors that drive civilization's development. By exploring these factors, the book comprehensively examines the evolution of Chinese civilization, revealing certain developmental patterns and historical experiences. The book aims to place Chinese civilization within the global context, outlining its position in the broader process of world civilizations. In its arguments, it fully integrates archaeological and material evidence with textual records, striving to combine historical narrative, scholarly analysis, and literary flair. This volume covers the mid-Ming Dynasty to the Xinhai Revolution.