Comment On Lattimore Chinese Borderland History And Research

This paper combs and examines the seldom studied research findings made by Owen Lattimore in Chinese frontier history. In addition to demonstrating his innovations and breakthroughs, the author analyzes briefly his influence and the limitation in this field. The paper is consisted of three parts.Section I give an in-depth description on Lattimore's legendary life and academic career in three sections: "forming ties with China", "distinguishing himself in Inner Asian studies", and "vicissitudes in political arena".Section II emphasizes Lattimore's innovations and breakthroughs in Chinese frontier history. First the author discusses Lattimore's insight on nomads in three perspectives: "clarifying the concept of nomads", "the emergence of nomads in Chinese frontier history", and "changed research viewpoint". Secondly, led by explanations for three keywords of Lattimore's studies on Chinese frontier history: sedentary vs. nomadic civilization, the Great Wall in Qin Dynasty, and frontier marginal zones, this chapter systematically investigates his reconstruction of the framework for understanding frontier history: breaking the traditional paradigm centered on China proper and seeking explanations on Chinese frontier history in the interaction between nomadic and sedentary civilization. Finally, the author emphasizes two aspects: Lattimore's understanding on Inner Asia and his innovations in research methods of Chinese frontier history.Section III discusses Lattimore's influence and limitation in studies of Chinese frontier history.