Treatises of the Supervisor and Guardian of the Cinnamon Sea

A major milestone in the field of sinology as well as in Hargett's prolific career. . . . We are indebted to Hargett for his precise, readable, and thoroughly researched translation of the Treatises.

The translation is carefully annotated and the extensive notes with many explanations use modern scientific terminology to provide the reader with an excellent insight into the themes and topics described . . . a very useful reference work for everybody who works on related topics . . . suitable for teaching classes . . . should not be missing in any sinological library of pre-modern Chinese history.

Treatises is an item that specialists should definitely acquire for their library, and readers with an interest in natural history will certainly enjoy reading.

Hargett’s conscientious translation and meticulous study of Fan Chengda’s Treatises of the Supervisor and Guardian of the Cinnamon Sea represents the culmination of a labor of devotion and love. The book does a great service to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the natural world, material culture, and ethnography in China’s southwestern frontier in the twelfth century. Such an indispensable book will definitely stimulate future researchers.

A sinological tour de force.

Hargett’s excellent translation captures the charm of Fan’s prose and provides a wealth of information about non—Chinese peoples and products of the southwest.