A History of Traditional Chinese Military Science

The book explores the development of military science in ancient China and its remarkable contribution to Chinese military culture through an investigation of representative military works, relevant passages from ancient philosophers' books and important collections of histories and classical works.

A History of Traditional Chinese Military Science provides a clear and informative survey of traditional Chinese military theory and examines its distinct character in different eras, starting from the primitive time to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Special emphasis is laid on the exploration of dynamics that goes into shaping military theory and culture in ancient China. Apart from representative military works, figures and battle cases, the book draws on military system, technology, tactics, army formations, military topography as well as cultural and archaeological insights. This not only enriches the scope of study and enlivens the narrative, but also makes it an ideal companion for military scholars and anyone interested in Chinese history and military culture.

Autorentext

The chief author, Huang Pumin, is a professor from Renmin University of China and one of the leading scholars in classical Chinese military theory, particularly Sunzi's Art of War. His books, including A Military History: The Spring and Autumn Period (1998) and A Critical Biography of He Xiu (2002), have received several national book awards and nominations. Wei Hong once worked as Research Fellow at the Chinese Academy of Military Science. She published A Study of Sunzi's Military Theory in the Song Dynasty (2011) and the volume on Song, Liao, Xia, Jin and Yuan military theories in A Comprehensive History of Chinese Military Science (2022). Xiong Jianping is a professor from National University of Defense Technology in China. His major publications include A New Study of Sunzi's Art of War (2021) and The Intelligence Thought in Sunzi's Art of War (co-authored with Gao Jinhu, 2019).The translator, Fan Hao, teaches at Nanjing University, China. Her translations include The Sun between Their Feet (2008), How to Read Literature (2015) and Shakespeare's Restless World (2016).

Klappentext

A History of Traditional Chinese Military Science provides a clear and informative survey of traditional Chinese military theory and examines its distinct character in different eras, starting from the primitive time to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Special emphasis is laid on the exploration of dynamics that goes into shaping military theory and culture in ancient China. Apart from representative military works, figures and battle cases, the book draws on military system, technology, tactics, army formations, military topography as well as cultural and archaeological insights. This not only enriches the scope of study and enlivens the narrative, but also makes it an ideal companion for military scholars and anyone interested in Chinese history and military culture.

Inhalt
Preface to the English Translation Introduction The Emergence of Warfare and Military Thought in the Xia and Shang Dynasties The Military Theory and Culture in the West Zhou Dynasty The Development of Military Tactics and Theory in the Spring and Autumn Period The Theoretical System in The Art of War The Prosperity of Military Theory in the Warring States Period The Military Theory of Pre-Qin Scholars The Achievements of Military Science in the Qin and Han Dynasties Military Science in the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties Military Theory in the Sui, Tang and Five Dynasties Military Science in the Song Dynasty The Communication and Integration of Military Science Among Multiple Ethnic Groups Military Science in the Ming Dynasty: From Prosperity to Decline The Coastal Defence Strategy and Qi Jiguang's Contribution to Military Science The Use of Firearms and the New Look of Military Theory The End of Traditional Chinese Military Science Coastal Defence and Naval Construction in the Qing Dynasty The Transition of Modern Chinese Military Science and Its Significance Selected Bibliography Index of People Index of Important Terms.