Commentary by Mao Zedong on the Twenty-Four Histories (Bound Shadow Printing Edition) comprising 80 cases and 850 volumes

Author: None
Publisher: Shanzhuang Shuju
Publishing Date: None
Features:
- Out-of-print release: On June 13, 2000, it was publicly destroyed at the National Library of China.
- Rarity: Limited to 500 sets worldwide, numbered edition. Its small print run is unique in the history of post-1949 book publishing.
- Fine binding: Entirely printed and bound using traditional Chinese line binding techniques.
- Cover and back cover: Exquisite blue silk brocade.
- Main text: Printed on exquisite jade plate mulberry paper. Each set includes 80 traditional, elegant blue silk cloth flat boxes with numbered archival certificates, each hand-stamped with the book number.
- Expert praise: Described as "a masterpiece of the age, a fine line-bound book" and "a contemporary rare book."
- Scale: The entire work consists of 850 volumes, divided into 80 cases, making it the largest line-bound book in China.
- Value:
(1) Important edition value. The original text is based on the Qing Daoguang edition of the Twenty-Four Histories collected by Mao Zedong in the early 1950s. This is a Qing imperial printing edition, with beautiful engraving and extremely rare in existence. Highly valuable.
(2) Important academic and documentary value. Mao Zedong's annotations on the Twenty-Four Histories cover a wide range of topics, including philosophy, politics, economy, military strategy, thought, culture, education, and the art of living. His annotations are a precious intellectual legacy left by a great leader for future generations. They reveal his erudition, profound understanding of Chinese history, and flexible application of knowledge. Jiang Zemin praised them as "a rich heritage of thought."
(3) Unique artistic value. Mao Zedong's annotations were mostly written in hard-tip pens, bold yet simple, with great power. His annotations on the Twenty-Four Histories left behind a wealth of valuable handwriting for the world. Through photomechanical reproduction, his dynamic and highly personalized style is vividlyed for readers.
(4) Huge collection value. High quality, high price, high taste, important edition and documentary value, out-of-print and limited issuance—these determine the unparalleled collection value and significant appreciation potential of this book.
- National gift: Jiang Zemin presented it as a state gift to Harvard University, granting it the status of a treasured classic, a family heirloom, and a library collection.
- A book that preserves the wisdom of ages, reviewing the history of the times, and studying the strategies of sages and geniuses.
The line-bound photomechanical reproduction of Mao Zedong's Annotations to the Twenty-Four Histories faithfully reproduces the original work as read and annotated by Mao Zedong from the Qing Daoguang imperial edition (official edition) of the Twenty-Four Histories. It authentically captures the original annotations, making it the most authoritative, valuable, and collectible version available.
In 1995, the Central (Central Documentation and Research Office), the State Press and Publication Administration, and the Central Archives decided to organize scholars from the Central and the Central Archives to collate and proofread Mao Zedong's annotated Qing Daoguang imperial edition of the Twenty-Four Histories. The line-bound book was then printed and published by Shanzhuang Shuju.
In June 2000, the public destruction ceremony for Mao Zedong's Annotations to the Twenty-Four Histories was held at the National Library of China, marking the completion of the five-year publication process. The publication of this monumental work holds immense academic, documentary, and edition value, as well as a special historical significance.
Early collectors proudly display it in prominent places in their offices or homes, reflecting both their taste and financial strength, as well as their reverence for the great leader.
Mao Zedong's Annotations to the Twenty-Four Histories—line-bound photomechanical reproduction. 80 cases, 850 volumes, large 16K format line-bound. Cover and back cover made of high-quality blue silk brocade, main text printed on jade plate mulberry paper. Each set includes 80 traditional and elegant blue silk cloth flat boxes with numbered archival certificates, each hand-stamped with the book number.