Zheng He: China and the Oceans in the Ming Dynasty, 2007, Edward Dreyer

Description: Zheng He - China and the Oceans in the Early Ming Dynasty 1405-1433 by Edward L. Dreyer; Pearson Longman Publishing; 2007 Softcover book with no DJ. Like new. Binding tight. No edge wear. Inside, no markings. Pages clean and crisp.5" x 7.75" x 5" 238 Pages This biography, part of Longman's World Biography series, of the Chinese explorer Zheng He sheds light on one of the most important “what if” questions of early modern history: why a technically advanced China did not follow the same path of development as the major European powers. Written by China scholar Edward L. Dreyer, Zheng He outlines what is known of the eunuch Zheng He’s life and describes and analyzes the early 15th century voyages on the basis of the Chinese evidence. Locating the voyages firmly within the context of early Ming history, it addresses the political motives of Zheng He’s voyages and how they affected China’s exclusive attitude to the outside world in subsequent centuries.Throughout, the author is skeptical in the best sense, carefully examining and weighing the evidence on each point, unswayed by preconceptions. This leads him to many conclusions that diverge from those of previous authors, always convincingly. Unless and until new evidence appears (possibly from marine archeology) this is likely to remain the definitive treatment of this interesting and revealing facet of Chinese history.

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End Time: 2024-11-29T14:29:33.000Z

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