Ka Chih-ming's new book is a major work by an important sociologist presently working in the field of Taiwan history. The book is successful not only at the level of historical-empirical sophistication, but also at the level of theoretical engagement. Its analysis of aborigine land-right policies in mid-Qing Taiwan is the most comprehensive and most rigorous thus far. Its pointed and detailed criticism of John Shepherd's earlier work has the potential to inspire the kind of compelling theoretical debate not seen in Taiwan for years. Although I generally agree with Ka's interpretation of the historical material, I believe he overstates Shepherd's position by labeling it "evolutionist" and "state-centered." Despite claiming his position as a combination of "historistic" and "institutionist" approaches, I find Ka's emphasis on historical contingency will ultimately subvert any casual explanation in social analysis. This is a radical departure from positivism and could lead to a literary turn that he probably does not expect. Finally, this book challenges the anthropological mainstream in Taiwan on several fronts. After Ka's intervention, neither the tired assumption that community could be isolated as an unit of analysis, nor the static and holistic concept of culture shared by many anthropologists in the past can be sustained.