论克利福德·达比的区域历史地理学理论与实践

Darby's Theory and Practice in the Field of Regional Historical Geography

克利福德·达比 (Clifford Darby,190 9- 1992 ) ,著名英国历史地理学家 ,对英国历史地理学的发展做出了杰出贡献 ,他的学术思想也影响到中国现代历史地理学的形成与发展。达比一生的学术研究工作基本可以分为四个方面 :1.英国东南部沼泽地 (The Fenland)研究 ;2 .《清册地理》研究 ;3.英格兰历史地理研究 ;4 .历史地理学方法论的探讨。

Sir H. C. Darby is one of the outstanding scholars in the field of historical geography in the English speaking world. His theory and practice in the historical geography field has produced broad influence in British and other countries. Since 1950's, Darby's thought and the cross-section method has been introduced to China by his Chinese student Renzhi Hou. From then on, Darby's name become gradually more and more popular in the Chinese academic circle. This paper provides a systematic introduction and comments on his works and thoughts on regional historical geography. The paper consists of four parts based on his great deal of research works: firstly, the earlier research works on the drainage of Fenland; secondly, the research work on Domesday Geography in the mediaeval time; thirdly, the works on Historical Geography of England; finally, his discussions on the methodology of historical geography.