Anyang: A Chronicle of the Discovery, Excavation, and Reconstruction of the Ancient Capital of the Shang Dynasty

Li Chi's anthology of English-language archaeological and anthropological writings presents a summary of the excavations and findings of the Anyang expedition,including Yin Hsü's ruins,which transformed the Yin Shang culture from legend into history and shocked the world. It also includes Li Chi's reflections on central problems in Chinese anthropology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book is a compilation of English-language archaeological and anthropological writings by Li Chi, the pioneering figure in modern archaeology in China. It is organized into 15 chapters, with the first two chapters setting the stage by introducing the key players involved in the initial "act" of this modern archaeological drama. The third and fourth chapters provide an overview of Chinese archaeology during the early 20th century, highlighting the contributions of prominent foreign scholars. From the fifth chapter onwards, Dr. Li delves into the details of the excavations conducted at Anyang, presenting the principal findings of the expedition. The closing chapters summarize the findings and descriptions of significant publications resulting from this monumental project.

For readers with an interest in Chinese civilization, the most captivating aspects of this book are the detailed descriptions of the excavations at Yin Hsü, the ruins of the Yin Dynasty. These excavations uncovered a wealth of artifacts, including building foundations, bronzes, chariots, pottery, stone, and jade, as well as thousands of oracle bones. The historical pictures vividly depict these findings, transforming the Yin Shang culture from legend to history and propelling China's history forward by hundreds of years. This discovery was a shock to the world.

In addition to the archaeological findings, the anthology also includes Li Chi's reflections on central problems in Chinese anthropology. These insights are both enlightening and thought-provoking, offering valuable perspectives on the field.

Overall, this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, providing a comprehensive overview of Li Chi's contributions to archaeology and anthropology and shedding light on the rich history and culture of China.

Weight: 391g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811601132
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021