Complete Collection of Letters from Zeng Guofan / Complete Collection of Diaries from Zeng Guofan (12 Volumes in Total)

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Features: The Complete Correspondence of Zeng Guofan: This book begins in February 1840 (the 20th year of the Daoguang reign) and ends in November 1871 (the 10th year of the Tongzhi reign). It collects 1,500 family letters from Zeng Guofan during his political and military career, covering topics ranging from trivial interpersonal matters and family life to profound discussions on moral cultivation, governance, and statecraft. The letters are written with calmness and composure, in a free and spontaneous style, conveying genuine emotions without pretense. They embody profound wisdom and in simple language, reflecting his exceptional scholarly achievements and moral refinement. Since their publication at the end of the Qing Dynasty, they have remained immensely popular and are regarded as a guide to harmonizing interpersonal relationships and a textbook for conducting oneself with integrity and seriousness. Most official families decline within one or two generations, yet the Zeng family has produced outstanding talents across generations, including renowned diplomats, poets, educators, scientists, and high-ranking officials such as Zeng Jize, Zeng Guangjun, Zeng Yaonong, Zeng Bao, Zeng Xianzhi, and Zeng Zhaolun. The secrets to their success lie entirely in this book.
The Complete Diary of Zeng Guofan: Zeng Guofan's diary begins in 1843 (the 19th year of the Daoguang reign) and ends on the third day of the second month in the 11th year of the Tongzhi reign (1872). Its purpose was for self-reminder and reflection, as well as to strengthen willpower. Its contents include the handling of military and political affairs, the principles of governing as an official, the ethics of friendship, as well as reading, scholarship, receiving guests, household management, teaching children, self-cultivation, and nurturing one's nature. It is a true record of his inner world. It was published under various titles such as "Diary of the Continuous and Gentle Chamber," "Diary of the Chamber Without Impatience," "Diary of Personal Observations," "Diary of the New Year's Day in the 21st Year of the Daoguang Reign," "Diary of Zeng Wenzheng's Room," and "Manuscript Diary of Zeng Wenzheng." Portions were included in the Guangxu edition of "The Complete Works of Zeng Wenzheng." This series is currently the most complete collection of Zeng Guofan's correspondence and diary. It is also the last bound edition of Zeng Guofan's family letters since the fall of the Qing Dynasty.