The Emperor's New Mathematics: Western Learning and Imperial Authority During the Kangxi Reign

This work delves into the fascinating intersection of Western knowledge and imperial governance during the Kangxi reign of the Qing dynasty. It explores how the integration of Western mathematical ideas influenced the Manchu elite's perception of power and authority amid cultural tensions.

Catherine Jami intricately examines the dynamics between the ruling class and foreign scholars, highlighting the adoption and adaptation of Western concepts to bolster imperial legitimacy. The narrative reveals how mathematics was not merely a tool for governance but also a means of asserting control and modernizing the state.

Through meticulous research, the author illuminates the broader implications of this exchange, shedding light on the complexities of cultural integration within a rapidly changing empire. It presents a compelling portrait of how the pursuit of knowledge shaped the identity and strategies of one of history's significant dynasties.