Liu Bei Biography

Author: Zhang Zuoyao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The author meticulously combs and studies historical materials, driven by the desire to restore the true image of historical figures, and authentically portrays Liu Bei's life of "resilience in the face of setbacks" and his dual nature, presenting an image of Liu Bei that differs from the one in Romance of the Three Kingdoms and general societal perceptions. The book also offers unconventional critiques of Zhuge Liang's governance in Shu. As the emperor of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Bei left a profound mark on Chinese history. Much of his life was spent in war, marked by years of hardship and toil, ultimately leading to his great achievements. Chen Shou, the author of Records of the Three Kingdoms, summarized his character and life journey as "resilience in the face of setbacks." The specific content includes: the subject's family background and youth; his rise as a regional governor; his entanglement between Cao Cao and Yuan Shao; his attempts to develop Jing Province; the realization of his goal to control Jing Province; his appointment as the governor of Yi Province; his coronation as the King of Hanzhong; his reign as the emperor of Shu-Han; and his death in Baidicheng. This biography comprehensively discusses Liu Bei's life filled with crises and hardships, vividly depicting his arduous path of development, offering a balanced evaluation of his merits and flaws, and providing critiques of Zhuge Liang and Liu Shan, who succeeded Liu Bei. It also offers a historical and objective assessment of Liu Bei's portrayal in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The biography is approximately 300,000 words and is a significant academic work that comprehensively reconstructs Liu Bei's life.