Storytelling of Zizhi Tongjian

Author: Shen Kui / Yuan Yuan / Zhu Fengming
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Zizhi Tongjian is a renowned classical chronicle of China. The author Sima Guang (1019–1086) and his important assistants Liu Shu, Liu Fen, Fan Zuyu, and others compiled this monumental work based on extensive historical materials. The Zizhi Tongjian not only adopted official histories but also incorporated over one hundred twenty-two miscellaneous histories. It took nineteen years to organize the complex history from the Warring States period to the Five Dynasties (403 BC–959 AD) into a comprehensive and well-structured chronicle. The Zizhi Tongjian has always been highly regarded by historians, inspiring many to imitate its style and create similar chronicles. It has had a profound impact on historical compilation in China. Although limited by the times, this classical historical work no longer fully meets our current requirements, Sima Guang and his collaborators did meticulous work in collecting historical materials, verifying facts, arranging chronology, and refining the text. It remains an important classic in China's cultural heritage. Therefore, it is necessary to publish it with punctuation and annotations for reference by those studying history.
This is a monumental chronological historical work by the famous Northern Song historian Sima Guang. It covers a period of 1,362 years, from the 23rd year of King Weili of Zhou (403 BC) to the 6th year of Xingde in the reign of Emperor Shizong of Zhou (959 AD). The content primarily focuses on significant political and military events, showcasing the governance of emperors and ministers, the rise and fall of dynasties, and other historical events closely related to the ruling class. As a result, it was highly praised by the ruling authorities of the time. After its completion, Emperor Shenzong of Song, inspired by the idea of "learning from the past to better govern the present," personally named the work Zizhi Tongjian.
The Zizhi Tongjian is vast, comprising 294 volumes written in classical Chinese. Additionally, its chronological arrangement often lacks relevance between events of the same year, and the details of a single event are inevitably scattered. These factors make it inconvenient for modern readers to read. To address this, we have specially compiled this Zizhi Tongjian (Illustrated Edition). The book organizes and compiles the original work in chronological order, selecting approximately 300 complete and independent stories. This overcomes the scattered and disorganized nature of the original, while adopting modern vernacular Chinese to make this classic of Chinese historiography accessible to a broader audience. Young readers can learn and appreciate the rich and vast cultural heritage of China through these vivid and compelling historical stories.
Unlike general vernacular versions of the Zizhi Tongjian, this book's greatest feature lies in its inclusion of over 1,000 precious photographs of historical artifacts and ruins, historical maps, portraits of emperors and officials, and paintings of figures from various dynasties, as well as carefully drawn illustrations that recreate historical scenes. These additions enhance the book's appeal. Reading history with images makes it more realistic, intuitive, comprehensive, and enjoyable. It allows readers to understand history through interest, contemplate it through simplicity, and cherish it as a valuable treasure.
Based on the original text, this book selects chapters with strong storytelling and educational value, narrating them in modern vernacular Chinese while remaining faithful to the original. To ensure continuity, some stories combine multiple chapters, providing concise summaries of historical periods. This allows readers to experience the continuity of history as they progress through the narrative.