Description
Using the concept of boundaries, physical and cultural, to understand the development of China's maritime southeast in late Imperial times, and its interactions across maritime East Asia and the broader Asian Seas, these linked essays by a senior scholar in the field challenge the usual readings of Chinese history from the centre. After an opening essay which positions China's southeastern coast within a broader view of maritime Asia, the first section of the book looks at boundaries, between "us" and "them", Chinese and other, during this period. The second section looks at the challenges to such rigid demarcations posed by the state and its existence in the status quo. The third section discusses movements of people, goods and ideas across national borders and cultural boundaries, seeing tradition and innovation as two contesting forces in a constant state of interaction, compromise and reconciliation. This approach underpins a fresh understanding of China's boundaries and the distinctions that separate China from the rest of the world.
In developing this theme, Ng Chin-keong draws on many years of writing and research in Chinese and European archives. Of interest to students of migration, of Chinese history, and of the long term perspective on relations between China and its region, Ng's analysis provides a crucial background to the historical shared experience of the people in Asian maritime zones. The result is a novel way of approaching Chinese history, argued from the perspective of a fresh understanding of China's relations with neighbouring territories and the populations residing there, and of the nature of tradition and its persistence in the face of changing circumstances.
About the Author
Ng Chin-keong was professor of Chinese History at the National University of Singapore until his retirement in 2006.
Reviews
Ng's writing is of crucial importance to our understanding and visualizing how all components and participants on land and on and over water interacted in late imperial Chinese society and economy." - International Journal of Maritime History
Book Information
ISBN 9789814722018
Author Ng Chin-keong
Format Hardback
Page Count 568
Imprint NUS Press
Publisher NUS Press
Weight(grams) 920g
In developing this theme, Ng Chin-keong draws on many years of writing and research in Chinese and European archives. Of interest to students of migration, of Chinese history, and of the long term perspective on relations between China and its region, Ng's analysis provides a crucial background to the historical shared experience of the people in Asian maritime zones. The result is a novel way of approaching Chinese history, argued from the perspective of a fresh understanding of China's relations with neighbouring territories and the populations residing there, and of the nature of tradition and its persistence in the face of changing circumstances.
About the Author
Ng Chin-keong was professor of Chinese History at the National University of Singapore until his retirement in 2006.
Reviews
Ng's writing is of crucial importance to our understanding and visualizing how all components and participants on land and on and over water interacted in late imperial Chinese society and economy." - International Journal of Maritime History
Book Information
ISBN 9789814722018
Author Ng Chin-keong
Format Hardback
Page Count 568
Imprint NUS Press
Publisher NUS Press
Weight(grams) 920g
