Great Inspiration from Zizhi Tongjian: A Classic to Read in a Lifetime

Author: Yu Tian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Zizhi Tongjian is the first comprehensive chronological history in Chinese history, compiled by Sima Guang, a famous minister and historian of the Northern Song Dynasty. It took nineteen years to complete, with a total of 294 volumes. The history covers events from the 23rd year of King Weilie of Zhou (403 BC) to the 6th year of Xingde in the Later Zhou Dynasty (959 AD), spanning 1,362 years. The content of Zizhi Tongjian primarily focuses on politics, military affairs, and ethnic relations, while also encompassing economics, culture, and evaluations of historical figures. Its purpose is to describe the policies of the ruling class that affect the prosperity or decline of the nation and the rise or fall of ethnic groups, serving as a warning to future generations. Since its compilation, Zizhi Tongjian has been avidly read by emperors, ministers, scholars, and influential figures across generations. It has become the textbook for those in government, revered as an unbreakable code and an invaluable treasury of wisdom. Throughout history, countless emperors, wise ministers, scholars, as well as modern politicians, thinkers, and scholars, have left critiques and annotations on Zizhi Tongjian. Mao Zedong annotated Zizhi Tongjian seventeen times and highly praised Sima Guang and the work itself. To make it easier for young readers to enjoy, the author has categorized these stories into five major themes: "Loyalty to the Nation," "Governing the State," "War and Flames," "Wit and Strategy," and "Imperial Court Intrigues." By reading this book, you can learn about historical events like "Su Wu Herding Sheep," and appreciate the indomitable spirit of our ancestors. You can discover the stories of Emperor Taizong of Tang Li Shimin and Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister of Shu, who were diligent in governance and loved the people. You can explore historical battles such as the "Battle of Changping," and experience the grandeur of warfare in Chinese history. You can learn about strategies like "Surrounding Wei to Rescue Zhao," and marvel at the wisdom of historical figures. Additionally, you can uncover the origins of idioms such as "Pointing a Deer as a Horse" and reflect on the lessons they convey.
Dear young readers, if you want to learn about Chinese history, if you want to experience the magic of Zizhi Tongjian, if you want to gain more knowledge and broaden your horizons, if you want to expand your thinking and enhance your abilities, then please open this book!