The Archipelago
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 December 2025
The Epilogue explores the transformative impact of cartographic exchanges between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries. The book adopted a "diving bell" approach to uncover the deep connections between Chinese and Western cartographic traditions, arguing that translation played a crucial role in shaping world geography. These exchanges led to hybrid maps and a global Renaissance, illustrating that knowledge was shared reciprocally. The chapter underscores the diverse motivations behind map translations, from territorial disputes to identity construction, and how these interactions influenced the perception of China and the West. Ultimately, the book reveals how these exchanges contributed to the modern world map and the global perspective we share today.
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