Zizhi Tongjian 1-10 volumes

Author: Sima Guang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-04-01
Features: Zizhi Tongjian is not only a great historical work but also a great literary work. In this monumental work, the author employs keen observation and unique artistic techniques to vividly depict the vast social life scenes and successfully create numerous lifelike historical figures. Over the course of a thousand years of popularity, the academic and social value of Zizhi Tongjian has been recognized by an increasing number of people. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially since the Reform and Opening-Up, numerous versions of Zizhi Tongjian have emerged, but those of high quality are rare, often described as "rare and precious." However, a significant portion of these versions are carelessly produced or take excerpts out of context, with irresponsible annotations that mislead readers. Zizhi Tongjian is a collective historical work, edited by Sima Guang, with co-editors Liu Shu, Liu Ban, and Fan Zuyu. Sima Guang's son, Sima Kang, was responsible for reviewing the text. Originally intended to be titled Tongzhi, the work was renamed Zizhi Tongjian by Emperor Shenzong, meaning "to learn from the past for governing the present." The work covers history from the 23rd year of King Weili of Zhou (400 BC) to the 6th year of Xingde in the Later Zhou Dynasty (959 AD), spanning 1,362 years, divided into 294 volumes with over 3 million words in total. Additionally, there are 30 volumes of Bibliography and 30 volumes of Investigations into Discrepancies. It took 19 years to compile this monumental work. Sima Guang wrote Zizhi Tongjian to consolidate the feudal regime of his time, which determined that the content of the book was primarily political history. He classified historical monarchs into five categories based on their abilities: founders, successors, decline, revivals, and chaotic downfall. Zizhi Tongjian exposes and condemns historical events to serve as a warning for future rulers. The work also contains many valuable historical records on military, economic, cultural, academic thought, and historiography. The materials collected in Zizhi Tongjian are extremely rich, with estimates suggesting that it references over 300 books. Zizhi Tongjian is a highly important chronological history of China, not only providing governance experience for the feudal ruling class but also holding great historical value. The entire work is meticulously organized, with clear logical connections, and the language is concise. These aspects have had a profound influence on later historiography.