Historical Atlas of Beijing (1988 First Edition)

Compiled under the editorship of academician Hou Renzhi, Historical Atlas of Beijing is the first large-scale regional historical atlas in China, published by Beijing Publishing House in 1988. It marks a milestone in the study of Beijing's urban historical geography.
Compilation Background & Academic Significance
Compilation Process: Initiated in 1979, the project was led by academician Hou Renzhi with an interdisciplinary team. After 8 years of work, including more than 50 field expeditions covering over 5,000 kilometers across 35 counties in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, this groundbreaking work was completed.
Core Content: Centered on the evolution of administrative divisions and urban patterns, the atlas traces Beijing's development from primitive settlements through the Jin Dynasty capital, Yuan Dynasty Dadu, Ming and Qing imperial cities, to Republican-era Peiping. It systematically documents changes in water systems, gardens, place names and administrative boundaries.
Academic Status: Widely recognized as a foundational work in Beijing historical geography, it was highly praised by scholars including Tan Qixiang and remains an essential reference for studies of Beijing's urban history, ancient capital planning and historical geography.
Binding & Craftsmanship Details
Format & Binding: Published in large 8mo format, this edition features a traditional brocade slipcase with elegant patterns, paired with a dark green velvet hardcover book block with gold foil title stamping, exemplifying the highest standards of academic publishing in 1980s China.
Content Organization: The atlas is divided into three categories: administrative maps, urban maps and garden maps. Using a "past-present comparison" method, the maps are precisely annotated with clear colors and standardized legends, combining scientific accuracy with artistic quality.
Edition Value: The 1988 first printing is scarce today. Your complete set with its original brocade slipcase is a highly collectible academic original, representing a significant phase in the development of Chinese historical geography.