Dokushi Hokyo Journal - Dokushi Hokyo Journal

This is a 130-volume historical geography book written by Gu Zuyu (1631-92), a Chinese geographer at the end of the Ming and the beginning of the Qing dynasties. The first nine volumes, "State of Provinces Through the Ages," are an overview that chronologically records the transitions of the borders and administrative divisions of China. The rest are specific sections that describe the natural and human aspects of each administrative division of the Ming dynasty, and at the end, rivers, canals, sea routes, etc. are added. The four volumes of the appendix, "Map Compendium," are made up of various maps and explanations of the administration, military, and topography of the Ming dynasty. It is considered the greatest historical geography book in China. It was completed in 1678, but the author wrote this book from the standpoint of a Ming retainer, resisting the rule of the Qing, who were Manchu people. Therefore, even when discussing the rise and fall of successive dynasties based on geography, he reflects on the causes of the fall of the Ming dynasty and treats the Qing as a barbaric enemy. It was originally transmitted in manuscript form, but it should be noted that in the printed version, words that were inappropriate for the Qing Dynasty have been edited out.

[Hibino Takeshi]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

中国の明(みん)末・清(しん)初の地理学者の顧祖禹(こそう)（1631―92）がつくった歴史地理書。130巻。初めの歴代州域形勢九巻は、全中国の境域、行政区画の変遷を年代順に記した概論ともいうべき部分。あとは各論で、明代の行政区画別に自然、人文の各事項を記述し、終わりに河川、運河、海道などを付説する。付録の「輿図(よず)要覧」四巻は明代の行政、軍事、地形などの諸図とその説明からなっている。中国の歴史地理書の最大傑作とされる。1678年に完成したが、著者は満州民族である清の支配に抗し、あくまで明の遺臣としての立場で本書をつくった。したがって、地理を基礎に歴代王朝の興亡を論ずるにあたっても、明の滅亡した原因を反省するとともに、清を野蛮な敵として扱っている。初め写本で伝えられたが、印刷されたものでは、清に不適当な字句が改削されているのに注意しなければならない。

［日比野丈夫］

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