Politics and Literature in Mongolia (1921–1948) by Simon Wickhamsmith (review)

Published by the Harvard-Yenching Institute HJAS 82.1 (2022): 198–205 thesis about the importance of Kangxi’s use of landscape as a rhetorical device for communicating a harmonious and prosperous empire. In sum, Where Dragon Veins Meet is an important case study in how rigorous scholarship can reshape our understanding of even the most famous sites. Whiteman’s detailed analysis not only uncovers the Kangxi-era landscape at the Mountain Estate, long buried under Qianlong’s contributions, but also demonstrates the essential role Kangxi played in the development of Qing visual and material culture. Handsomely produced in full color, this book will undoubtedly serve as a standard reference for scholars interested in Chinese imperial arts, landscape studies, and early modern history for many years.