Overview

Challenging the stereotype of premodern China as an agricultural nation, this book examines the development of the maritime sector, maritime institutions, and sea power in the premodern era. Initially discussing topics related to China's exports, such as ship design and construction, goods produced solely for export, capital accumulation and investment in the maritime sector, and trade networking, the volume goes on to consider the impact of maritime institutions, governmental trade and non-trade policies, and Confucian attitudes toward maritime activities. Finally, the book shows how China obtained technological, economic, and naval supremacy in Asian waters until the 18th century and goes on to discuss the reasons for the decline of the maritime sector in the 19th century.

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9780313307126

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Reviews

.,. of most interest to scholars and graduate students working in this field. The lucid and orderly presentation of the data could also be of interest to the serious avocational student of Chinese maritime affairs. I would unhesitatingly recommend the boook to those interested in the subjectm and it should certainsly be acquired by univeristy and college libraries, and the larger public libraries. -The Northern Mariner

... of most interest to scholars and graduate students working in this field. The lucid and orderly presentation of the data could also be of interest to the serious avocational student of Chinese maritime affairs. I would unhesitatingly recommend the boook to those interested in the subjectm and it should certainsly be acquired by univeristy and college libraries, and the larger public libraries. -The Northern Mariner Maritime Sector adds vital insight to the growing scholarly acknowledgement of China as a historical maritime power. -Journal of Third World Studies Deng's book embodies valuable technical information as well as an interesting conceptual framework, and it highlights the myriad ways in which the Chinese maritime sector penetrated and influenced the culture of China and maritime Asia. -Technology and Culture This is an excellent and wide-ranging book that should be read by anyone interested in the many topics discused. Its scholarship is prodigious and well-based and is presented with clarity and focus. Deng has doubtless provided a departure point for all future research in this area. -International Journal of Maritime History Deng's energetic and erudite contribution to the discussion....The range of Chinese materials consulted is very impressive, from standard histories and other old books to the most recent scholarship. Every scholar studying premodern maritime China will want to consult this book for its many citations and suggestions. -The Journal of Asian Studies ?Maritime Sector adds vital insight to the growing scholarly acknowledgement of China as a historical maritime power.?-Journal of Third World Studies ?Deng's book embodies valuable technical information as well as an interesting conceptual framework, and it highlights the myriad ways in which the Chinese maritime sector penetrated and influenced the culture of China and maritime Asia.?-Technology and Culture ?This is an excellent and wide-ranging book that should be read by anyone interested in the many topics discused. Its scholarship is prodigious and well-based and is presented with clarity and focus. Deng has doubtless provided a departure point for all future research in this area.?-International Journal of Maritime History ?Deng's energetic and erudite contribution to the discussion....The range of Chinese materials consulted is very impressive, from standard histories and other old books to the most recent scholarship. Every scholar studying premodern maritime China will want to consult this book for its many citations and suggestions.?-The Journal of Asian Studies ?...of most interest to scholars and graduate students working in this field. The lucid and orderly presentation of the data could also be of interest to the serious avocational student of Chinese maritime affairs. I would unhesitatingly recommend the boook to those interested in the subjectm and it should certainsly be acquired by univeristy and college libraries, and the larger public libraries.?-The Northern Mariner .,. of most interest to scholars and graduate students working in this field. The lucid and orderly presentation of the data could also be of interest to the serious avocational student of Chinese maritime affairs. I would unhesitatingly recommend the boook to those interested in the subjectm and it should certainsly be acquired by univeristy and college libraries, and the larger public libraries. -The Northern Mariner

Author Information

GANG DENG is Lecturer in Economic History at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His earlier books include Development Versus Stagnation: Technological Continuity and Agricultural Progress in Pre-modern China (Greenwood, 1993) and Chinese Maritime Activities and Socioeconomic Development, C. 2100-1900 A.D. (Greenwood, 1997).

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