Social Order through Contracts: A Study of the Qingshui River Manuscripts

This book is the first Western-language monograph on the study of the Qingshui River manuscripts, which offers insights into how and why a society in late imperial China could maintain a well-functioning social system with few laws but many contracts. It presents a non-stereotypical "contract society" in southwest China and argues that contracts can form and maintain a social order for economic prosperity even under weak governmental and legal authorities. The book employs the innovative theory of blockchain to interpret historical and social phenomena.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 05 February 2021
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This groundbreaking work is the first comprehensive study of the Qingshui River manuscripts written in Western languages. Through meticulous examination of over 3,000 contracts and other manuscripts, the author offers valuable insights into the enduring puzzle of how and why a society in late imperial China managed to function effectively with a limited number of laws but a multitude of contracts, often referred to as Hobbesian "words without sword." The book proceeds to address three interconnected questions: what exactly were contracts, how did they operate, and why were they successful in maintaining social order? In doing so, it presents a non-stereotypical "contract society" in southwest China, contending that contracts played a crucial role in establishing and sustaining a social order that provided predictability and regularity for economic prosperity, even in the absence of strong governmental and legal authorities.

This book is of immense value to readers with interests in law, society, and history. For historians, it offers a detailed portrayal of the socio-legal landscape of a frontier area in late imperial China, shedding light on the complex dynamics of governance and legal systems during that period. At the same time, for legal researchers, the book provides a novel and empirical interpretation of the contract device, offering valuable materials for constructing an integrated theoretical framework of contracts in general.

In a groundbreaking approach, the book employs the innovative theory of blockchain to support its key arguments. By leveraging the decentralized and transparent nature of blockchain technology, the author offers a fresh perspective on historical and social phenomena, challenging traditional narratives and providing a more nuanced understanding of the past.

Overall, this book is a significant contribution to the field of legal studies and history, offering a wealth of insights and perspectives that will engage and inspire scholars and researchers alike. Its innovative approach and interdisciplinary nature make it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex relationship between law, society, and history.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789813349469
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021