Zizhi Tongjian

Author: Sima Guang (Song Dynasty), compiled by He Xiangjiu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-10-01
Features: Since its compilation, Zizhi Tongjian has been eagerly read by emperors, generals, scholars, influential figures, and even ordinary people across generations. It has become the textbook for those in government, revered as an unbreakable code and an invaluable treasure. Throughout history, countless emperors, wise ministers, scholars, as well as modern politicians and thinkers, have left critiques and annotations on Zizhi Tongjian, making it a must-have classic. Mao Zedong annotated Zizhi Tongjian seventeen times, holding both Sima Guang and the work in high esteem. Zizhi Tongjian is China's first comprehensive chronological history, compiled by the famous Northern Song minister and historian Sima Guang over nineteen years. The full work comprises 294 volumes, covering events from the 23rd year of King Weilie of Zhou (403 BC) to the 6th year of Xingde in the Later Zhou Dynasty (959 AD), spanning 1,362 years. The content of Zizhi Tongjian primarily focuses on politics, military affairs, and ethnic relations, while also touching on economy, culture, and evaluations of historical figures. Its purpose is to warn future generations by describing the policies of ruling classes that affected the prosperity or decline of nations and the rise or fall of ethnic groups. Zizhi Tongjian adopts a chronological narrative style but also incorporates elements of the biographical method, extensively documenting the deeds of people from all social strata and classes. Many entries begin directly with the names of individuals, not only highlighting their actions, achievements, personalities, and interests but also elucidating the factors behind their successes and failures.