1969年版中國勞動圖錄：原始工藝紀錄 – Rudolf P. Hommel 著China at Work: An Illustrated Record of Primitive Industries – By Rudolf P. Hommel (1969 M.I.T. Press Edition)

【內容簡介 / Synopsis】

 First published in 1937 and reissued here in the 1969 M.I.T. Press edition, "China at Work" is a foundational documentary work by Rudolf P. Hommel. Based on an expedition beginning in 1921 under the direction of Henry Chapman Mercer, the book provides a systematic, illustrated account of the tools and primitive industries that sustained the daily lives of millions of Chinese people. Through detailed photographs and descriptions, Hommel explores essential fields, including tool-making, food production, clothing, shelter, and transportation, capturing a way of life that had remained largely unchanged for centuries.

 本書最初於 1937 年出版，此為 1969 年麻省理工學院出版社（M.I.T. Press）重新發行之版本，是 Rudolf P. Hommel 的奠基性紀錄著作。此書基於 1921 年在 Henry Chapman Mercer 指導下展開的探險考察，系統性地以圖文記錄了支撐數百萬中國民眾日常生活的工具與原始產業。透過詳盡的攝影與文字說明，Hommel 探索了工具製造、食品生產、衣著、居住與交通等核心領域，保留了數百年來幾乎未曾改變的生活形態。

【歷史背景與重要性 / Historical Background & Significance】

 This volume is regarded as a firsthand source for understanding Chinese civilization through the lens of material culture. Hommel lived in China for over eight years, traveling extensively to document labor practices that were often ignored by official histories. His work serves as a crucial anthropological bridge, offering insight into the "Hsiang fa tzu" (evolve methods) that were incredibly primitive yet effective. It is a rare academic archive that captures the technological and social history of China during the early 20th century before the rapid onset of modernization.

 此書被視為透過物質文化視角了解中國文明的第一手重要史料。作者 Hommel 在中國居住了八年多，奔波各地記錄了許多被官方歷史所忽略的勞動實踐。他的著作架起了一座關鍵的人類學橋樑，深入洞察了那些「極其原始卻無比高效」的生產方式。這是一份罕見的學術檔案，捕捉了 20 世紀初中國在快速現代化進程之前的技術與社會歷史。

【書本狀態 / Condition Report】

 This 1969 M.I.T. Press softcover edition is in good vintage condition, reflecting decades of careful preservation. The cover design remains vibrant, though it shows expected signs of shelf wear and minor age-related discoloration. The interior pages are clean and well-maintained, with all the original high-quality photographic plates of industrial tools and field practices clearly visible.

 此 1969 年麻省理工學院出版社平裝版保存狀況良好，展現了數十年來的精心維護。封面設計依舊鮮明，但具備正常的書架磨損與輕微的年代變色痕跡。內頁乾淨且維護完好，所有關於工業工具與現場實踐的原版高質量照片板塊皆清晰可見。