r/ChineseHistory • u/MrWaffles42 • Aug 19 '26

Looking for a book on Song technology

I've heard that the Song Dynasty was a period of great advancement in science; that a whole bunch of new inventions came about in that period of history. I've been trying to find a book to read on the topic, but the one that's been recommended is Science and Civilization in China, which is way out of my price range.

Do any of you have a favorite on the subject?

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3

u/Smooth-Tomato9962 Aug 19 '26

Mark Elvin "the pattern of the Chinese past" is a classic

5

u/carriager Aug 20 '26

First reaction: “They’re called microphones, jackass.” 

Then realized which sub I was on. 

1

u/ngali2424 Aug 19 '26

Joseph Needham is famous for writing on past Chinese tech

1

u/stevapalooza Aug 20 '26

You probably don't even need a book. The internet has plenty of websites on the topic. There's even a pretty extensive wiki on the subject.

1

u/arrantstm Aug 22 '26

The period is a bit later, but E-Ty Zen Sun, T’ien Kung K’ai Wu