Annals of the Qing Dynasty (Volumes 1-12)

Author: Li Wenhai
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-07-01
Features: The "Chronicles of the Qing Dynasty," a major Qing history work compiled over two decades by the Institute of Qing History at Renmin University of China, is edited by Li Wenhai. It consists of twelve volumes and over six million words. Adopting a chronological format, the book records significant historical events from the Qing army's entry into the capital to the abdication of the Qing emperor, covering a span of 268 years. It provides a panoramic display of Chinese history during the Qing dynasty. At the recent publishing symposium, Qing history experts highly praised the compilers of the book for inheriting and developing the tradition of textual research under a modern academic perspective. They employed a rigorous methodology of extensive citation, specialized knowledge, and comprehensive synthesis to thoroughly summarize past Qing history research, clearly depicting the developmental process of Qing history. The publication of this work offers an invaluable reference and tool for Qing history scholars.
Qing history research is a relatively new academic discipline that emerged and rapidly developed this century. In recent years, this field has attracted increasing interest from domestic and international historians, as well as widespread attention from various sectors of society, making Qing history one of the most vibrant areas of historical study. This phenomenon is primarily determined by the unique characteristics of the discipline itself. The Qing dynasty was the last feudal monarchy in China. During its rule, China underwent a historical turning point from advanced to backward, from an independent feudal state to a semi-colonial and semi-feudal state, and from the medieval era to modern society. It is within this profound transformation that an extremely rich historical content is embedded, closely linking with all aspects of contemporary life. Not only did the Qing dynasty lay the foundation for today's territorial boundaries and the initial population base of the People's Republic of China, but many issues in modern China's economy, politics, culture, military, foreign affairs, ethnic relations, and other areas also evolved from the Qing era. It can be said that a deep understanding of China's national conditions cannot be separated from a scientific grasp of Qing history. Thus, Qing history research holds strong practical significance.
The compilation of the large-scale Qing history work "Chronicles of the Qing Dynasty" spanned two decades and was finally completed at the turn of the century. It represents a significant academic achievement launched by the Institute of Qing History at Renmin University of China in 2000. The book comprises twelve volumes and over six million words, covering the period from the first year of the Shunzhi Emperor to the third year of the Xuantong Emperor. Using a chronological structure, it records all major historical events from the Qing army's entry into the capital to the abdication of the Qing emperor, spanning 268 years. The content addresses a wide range of issues, including politics, economy, society, culture, military, foreign affairs, and ethnic relations, offering a comprehensive overview of Chinese history during the Qing dynasty. The book is richly supported by extensive citations, compiling a vast amount of primary sources while also carefully absorbing and summarizing previous research on Qing history.