Zhan Guo Ce

Author: Liu Xiang of the Western Han Dynasty
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: ▼Complete Content ▼Sandalwood Aroma ▼Compact and Lightweight ▼Original Illustrations ▼Portable
Whenever we mention The Strategies of the Warring States, we often categorize it as a historical classic. However, its nature differs significantly from that of Records of the Grand Historian or Zuo Zhuan. Many of the accounts in The Strategies of the Warring States cannot be considered historical facts; they are merely stories passed down through the ages. For example, the famous "Tang Jie kidnapping the King of Qin" in The Wei Strategies describes Tang Jie brandishing a sword and coercing Qin Shi Huang in the Qin court, which does not align with historical records.
So, from what perspective should we appreciate this classic work? — First, let us understand the origins of The Strategies of the Warring States. The original version of The Strategies of the Warring States was an anthology compiled by scholars, primarily consisting of the writings of strategists during the Warring States period and records by historians. After being examined and organized by Liu Xiang of the Western Han Dynasty, it was officially named The Strategies of the Warring States. The entire book comprises thirty-three chapters, organized by state, including: Eastern Zhou I, Western Zhou I, Qin five, Qi six, Chu four, Zhao four, Wei four, Han three, Yan three, Song and Wei combined as one, and Zhongshan one...