Zizhi Tongjian

Author: Sima Guang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-01
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 ingenious artistic techniques to vividly depict the vast social life scenes and successfully create numerous lifelike historical figures. Zizhi Tongjian pioneered the genre of chronological universal history, recording historical events in chronological order. It covers a long span of time and includes a wealth of content, significantly expanding the temporal and spatial scope of annalistic history. The content recorded primarily focuses on politics, military affairs, and ethnic relations, while also encompassing socioeconomic, intellectual culture, and important historical figures.
For a ruler who does not know Zizhi Tongjian, he may desire governance but fail to understand the source of self-governance, or wish to avoid chaos but lack the means to prevent it. For a subject who does not know Zizhi Tongjian, he may lack the means to serve his ruler above or govern the people below. For a son who does not know Zizhi Tongjian, his plans for himself may lead to dishonoring his ancestors, and his actions may fail to leave a lasting legacy.
Even after a millennium, Zizhi Tongjian remains ever more influential. Why does it possess such immense charm? The late Qing thinker Gong Zizhen once said: "To understand the great principles of the world, one must first study history." Zizhi Tongjian not only includes the laws of social progress and decline, the rise and fall of politics, but also the virtues and vices of personal character.
This book is an abridged edition of Zizhi Tongjian compiled for general readers, based on the annotated version published by the Ancient Books Publishing House after the founding of the People's Republic of China. The original text is in traditional characters, but this edition has been converted to simplified characters. Zizhi Tongjian is a vast work encompassing numerous historical figures, place names, and official titles. This edition selects 25 major events, arranges them in chronological order, adds titles, and provides annotations.