Wen Bai Contrast Three Kingdoms Records

Author: Chen Shou (Jin Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Records of the Three Kingdoms, written by Chen Shou. Chen Shou was born in 233 AD and died in 297 AD, styled Chengzu, a Han Chinese from Xian in Ba Commandery of Shu. Initially serving in Shu as a Gentleman of the Yellow Gate and later in Jin as a Court Historian and Chief Censor, Chen Shou wrote Records of the Three Kingdoms after entering Jin. The entire work comprises 65 volumes, including 30 volumes on Wei, 15 on Shu, and 20 on Wu. The narrative begins in the late years of Emperor Ling of the Eastern Han Dynasty and ends with the fall of Wu. The section on Wei is placed at the beginning of the book, recognizing Cao Cao, Cao Pi, and Cao Rui as emperors and upholding Wei as the legitimate dynasty. The historical writing style follows the Records of the Historian and Records of the Han Dynasty, with chapters and biographies but lacking annals and tables. Chen Shou was known for his skill in narrating events, striving for accuracy and appropriateness in organization, and employing concise language. During the Southern Dynasties of the Liu Song period, Pei Songzhi wrote annotations for Records of the Three Kingdoms. His annotations covered more than just geographical and cultural details, focusing on filling gaps, providing alternative accounts, correcting errors, and offering arguments. The supplementary content is complete from beginning to end, citing over 140 sources, more than 90% of which are now lost. In terms of historical value, Pei’s annotations are no less significant than Chen Shou’s original work.