Astral Sciences in Early Imperial China

Observation, Sagehood and the Individual

By: Daniel Patrick Morgan

Write A Review

Hardcover | 3 August 2017

At a Glance

Hardcover
270 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.6

Hardcover

RRP $193.95

$171.75

11%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $42.94 with

Ships in 5 to 7 business days

Challenging monolithic modern narratives about 'Chinese science', Daniel Patrick Morgan examines the astral sciences in China c.221 BCEâ"750 CE as a study in the disunities of scientific cultures and the narratives by which ancients and moderns alike have fought to instil them with a sense of unity. The book focuses on four unifying 'legends' recounted by contemporary subjects: the first two, redolent of antiquity, are the 'observing of signs' and 'granting of seasons' by ancient sage kings; and the other two, redolent of modernity, involve the pursuit of 'accuracy' and historical 'accumulation' to this end. Juxtaposing legend with the messy realities of practice, Morgan reveals how such narratives were told, imagined, and re-imagined in response to evolving tensions. He argues that, whether or not 'empiricism' and 'progress' are real, we must consider the real effects of such narratives as believed in and acted upon in the history of astronomy in China.

Industry Reviews

'A magisterial work that elevates the study of astral sciences in early imperial China to a wholly new level. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and development of Chinese calendrics, astronomical instrumentation, and the official and intellectual milieus in which practitioners worked and reflected on their craft.' D. W. Pankenier, Lehigh University, Pennsylvania
'There is much to praise about this book ... It brings together technical and theoretical brilliance and presents a bold new vision of the history of the astral sciences in early imperial China. More important, it provides readers with a nuanced understandingof the varied and changing ways that the premodern Chinese investigated the skies.' Miranda Brown, Isis

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.