Heavenly numbers : astronomy and authority in early imperial China /

This work explores the role of astronomy in early imperial China from 221 BCE to the fall of the Han dynasty in 220 CE. Rulers of this period believed that signs in the heavens conveyed important information about the way government should be conducted; consequently, they typically employed large staffs of astronomers. Unlike in the West, extensive written records were kept. As Cullen (Needham Research Institute, Cambridge Univ.) points out in the introduction, "From the world of Ptolemy we have a number of books that were successful enough to survive, but from early imperial China we have an archive." Cullen paints a fascinating story of the progress of astronomical thought, exploring the connection between astronomy and politics, quoting extensively from the astronomers themselves, and sometimes comparing their ideas to those of Western astronomers. The writing style is both engaging and scholarly, with many original calculations and a 14-page bibliography. It is illustrated with excellent figures and often includes the original Chinese. This is an essential book for libraries with collections on Chinese astronomy and the history of astronomy in general. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All academic levels. --Timothy Barker, emeritus, Wheaton College (MA)