Annals of the Qing Dynasty (1-12)

Author: Institute of Qing History, Renmin University of China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The Qing Dynasty spans nearly three centuries, with an immense volume of historical records, archives, documents, and materials. Based on the extensive collection, organization, and selection of historical sources, conducting in-depth research is undoubtedly an extremely challenging task. This task cannot be accomplished by a few individuals or certain organizations alone. Over a span of twenty years, the Institute of Qing History at Renmin University of China compiled the monumental multi-volume work Chronicles of the Qing Dynasty, consisting of twelve volumes and over six million words. It adopts a chronological narrative style, documenting significant historical events from the Qing army's entry into the capital to the abdication of the Qing emperor, covering a period of 268 years. This comprehensive work provides a panoramic view of the history of the Qing Dynasty. The multi-volume Chronicles of the Qing Dynasty offers invaluable and hard-to-come-by materials and systematic references for Qing history research, serving as a reference book for humanities and history majors in higher education and history enthusiasts. This is undoubtedly a meaningful endeavor.
Traditional Chinese historical texts come in various forms, such as the biographical style (Records of the Grand Historian and Records of the Han Dynasty), the chronological style (Zuo Zhuan and Zizhi Tongjian), and the annalistic style (Tongjian Jishibemen), among others. All these styles have their own strengths and weaknesses, each standing out in the treasure trove of historical classics. For example, the biographical Records of the Grand Historian and Records of the Han Dynasty, the chronological Zuo Zhuan and Zizhi Tongjian, and the annalistic Tongjian Jishibemen are all shining chapters in Chinese historical literature.
Chronicles of the Qing Dynasty is essentially a chronological compendium of Qing history, but it differs from traditional chronological histories in that it strives to organize, analyze, refine, and synthesize the complex historical materials of the Qing Dynasty using the perspective and methods of historical materialism. It adheres to the principle of seeking truth from facts, aiming to accurately reveal the entire historical process of the rise, development, decline, and fall of the Qing Dynasty.
Qing history experts highly commend the compilers of this book for inheriting and promoting the tradition of textual research under the guidance of modern academic perspectives. They employ methods of extensive citation, specialized knowledge, and comprehensive synthesis to conduct a thorough review of past Qing history research, providing a relatively clear depiction of the historical development of the Qing Dynasty. Its publication offers an invaluable reference and toolset for Qing history scholars.