Publishing Journal ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (6): 112-125.

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Research on the Geographical Distribution of Song Dynasty Block-printing A Quantitative Analysis of Bibliographic Data

  

  1. (School of lnformation Management/ Intellectual Computing Laboratory for Cultural Heritage Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072)

    (School of Information Management, Wuhan University Wuhan, 430072)

  • Received:2025-02-14 Online:2025-12-04 Published:2025-12-05

Abstract: This paper employs a quantitative analysis method of bibliographic data to revisit the issue of the regional distribution of the block-printing during the Song Dynasty, a key topic in the history of publishing. Within the scope of available knowledge, a comprehensive investigation and statistical analysis were conducted on the quantity, types, and nature of woodblock-printed books across various regions of the Song Dynasty. Based on the statistical analysis of the number of woodblock-printed books in different regions, the study identifies the major centers of book printing during the Song Dynasty : at the provincial level, these were Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi and Sichuan; at the municipal level, they were Hangzhou, Nanping, Shuzhong (Chengdu and Meishan), and Kaifeng. Through a statistical analysis of the types and nature of printed books in different regions, the study further reveals the content characteristics and compositional nature of book printing in these major centers. By disclosing specific data, creating trend graphs of the number of printed editions, and generating density maps of the geographical distribution of engraved editions, the paper attempts to describe the temporal and spatial changes in the centers of book printing, their degree of concentration, and the detailed aspects of the types and nature of printed books across various regions. The aim is to provide data support for traditional narrative research on the history of publishing, either to validate existing viewpoints or to propose new conclusions. 

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