Zuo Zhuan

Author: Shi Yanbo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Zuo Zhuan is a renowned work in the history and literature of the pre-Qin period. It is traditionally believed to be a commentary on Confucius's Spring and Autumn Annals by Zuo Qiuming, the historian of the State of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period. However, it is now generally considered to be the work of a historian from the early Warring States period, the State of Wei. The original title of this work was Zuo Shi Chunqiu. Later, it was paired with Spring and Autumn Annals as an interpretive text, known as Spring and Autumn Zuo Zhuan, or simply Zuo Zhuan. This book records significant historical events between the Zhou Dynasty and various vassal states from the first year of Duke Yin of Lu to the twenty-seventh year of Duke Ai of Lu, covering a total of 255 years. The work provides a relatively accurate reflection of the time and holds certain progressive significance. Many of the historical accounts recorded in it have become an important part of traditional Chinese culture. The renowned historian Gu Jiegang once said: "Of all ancient historical texts, Zuo Zhuan is invaluable! Of course, due to the limitations of the era, the book also contains some outdated and superstitious elements, such as belief in divination. Young readers should be cautious in discerning these when reading."