Description

This work is based on an important book by Gu Zuyu (1631–92), a geographer from Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. Following in the footsteps of his father who wished to compile a comprehensive geography of the Ming dynasty, Gu Zuyu wrote Du shi fang yu ji yao (Essentials of historical geography), covering all dynasties in past centuries. The book identifies places and names more accurately than previous similar works. Gu began with five juan, worked on the book over many years, and eventually expanded it to 130 juan. The book was ...