Chronology of Ancient Chinese Historians

Author: Zhang Aifang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: This book includes forty biographical chronologies, with the compilation dates ranging from the Song Dynasty to the modern era. The materials are thorough, and the format is rigorous. There are twenty-five main subjects, including Sima Qian, Ban Gu, Wei Zheng, Liu Zhiqi, Shen Yue, Ouyang Xiu, Sima Guang, Yuan Shu, Huang Zongxi, Gu Yanwu, Wang Fuzhi, Wan Sitong, Zha Jizao, Zhang Tingyu, Quanzuwang, Zhao Yi, Qian Daixin, Bi Yuan, Zhang Xuecheng, Shao Jinhan, Cui Shu, Xu Song, Yao Ying, Huang Zunxian, and Liu Shipei. Some renowned historians, such as Wei Yuan and Liang Qichao, have already had individual chronologies published and are therefore not included here. Another feature of this book is its effort to collect as complete a set of biographical chronologies as possible. Some famous figures, such as Sima Qian, have three chronologies, Gu Yanwu has seven, and Ouyang Xiu has three. Since each chronology has its own unique characteristics, they can be cross-referenced and supplemented, so all of them have been included. Some chronologies are rare versions, especially the manuscripts and mimeographed copies, which hold extremely high documentary value. By compiling them into one collection and publishing them in facsimile, this will not only greatly benefit researchers and collectors but will also significantly advance the study of ancient Chinese literature, history, and documentary studies.