How to View on the Modernity of Chinese Maps:Book Review on Li Peng's Study of the Upper Yangtze River Navigation Atlas of the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China
Li Peng's Study of the Upper Yangtze River Navigation Atlas of the Qing Dynasty and the Re-public of China analyzes the modernization process of the atlas in the upper Yangtze River from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China,and proposes that this process is not linear but complex localized knowl-edge production process involving western and native mapmakers.On this basis,the book reflects on the shortcomings of the two research paths of scientism and humanism in the history of Chinese cartography,and suggests that an eclectic approach is needed to inquire into the development of Chinese society towards modernity,including map.Although the proposed research path is somewhat idealized,it plays a positive role in promoting the study of the history of Chinese cartography and the study of China's progress towards modernity.