History of Chinese Civilization. Volume 1

Author: Yuan Xingpei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: This book is an academic work written by the Institute of Sinology at Peking University, representing an interdisciplinary approach. It upholds the view that the history 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 organization of human society, and the human mind, demonstrating 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 the history of Chinese civilization. It meticulously portrays the characteristics and highlights of each period, as well as their interconnecting relationships, showcasing the figures who made significant contributions to the development of civilization and exploring the factors that played a crucial role in its progress. Thus, it comprehensively discusses the development of Chinese civilization, revealing certain developmental patterns and historical experiences. The book attempts to examine Chinese civilization within the global context, outlining its position in the process of world civilization. In its arguments, it fully integrates archaeological and cultural relics data with written records, striving to combine historical narrative, commentary, and literary flair. This volume covers pre-Qin civilization.