An Early Modern Economy in China
The Yangzi Delta in the 1820s

The first English translation of Li Bozhong's pioneering study An Early Modern Economy in China uses sophisticated analysis to reconstruct the GDP of the Yangzi Delta. In this innovative economic history, Li provides a basis for understanding the Delta's economy, an area of unprecedented growth in modern times. Using quantitative research Li carefully reconstructs the economies of the region, combining three methods for estimating GDP: output, income, and expenditure. The result reveals the structure and level of income and production in this highly commercialized and urbanized part of China, establishing a benchmark for future reconstructions of regional economies through GDP. This is a landmark text in the field of economic history which has had a great impact on understanding Chinese economic history in global perspective.

Reviews & endorsements

'This is a bold and important book, which aims to provide a more rigorous baseline than we have had before for thinking about the early modern Chinese economy, and about East-West comparisons. And Li Bozhong, perhaps the most important economic historian of China working today, is just the person to make such an attempt. The book's argument is provocative, and parts of it will be controversial – but it rests on deep research and sophisticated methods. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the historical development of China's economy, and will remain so for years to come.' Kenneth Pomeranz, University of Chicago

Customer reviews

Product details

• Date Published: July 2021
• format: Hardback
• isbn: 9781108479202
• length: 360 pages

• dimensions: 235 x 158 x 40 mm
• weight: 1.04kg
• contains: 6 maps 75 tables
• availability: Available