Zeng Guofan's Family Letters (Xuan Paper and Thread Bound)

Author: Not Available
Publisher: China Literature Press
Publishing Time: 1999-04-01
Features: The principles of the book encompass human nature, social wisdom, family management, and political strategies, all revealed in this work. It is said that Zeng Guofan had thirteen sets of studies, but only this one, "Zeng Guofan's Family Letters," has been passed down.
-- Nan Huaijin
The family precepts in this book are considered exemplary, and the wisdom is referred to as the epitome of expertise. "Zeng Guofan's Family Letters" includes nearly 1,500 letters written by Zeng Guofan over about 30 years, from the 30th year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty to the 10th year of Tongzhi. The content is extremely diverse, ranging from trivial personal matters and family finances to profound discussions on moral cultivation, governance, and national strategies. The letters vividly reflect Zeng Guofan's life, his approach to political, family, and scholarly affairs.
The letters are written with composure and stability, in a free and unrestrained style, flowing naturally with profound wisdom hidden in simplicity. Although Zeng Guofan left behind very few works, a single letter is enough to reveal his scholarly achievements and moral refinement, earning him the title of "the paragon of morality and literature of his generation." He became the last spiritual idol of feudal China.
The layout of the book is light, lively, and refreshing, with round and full characters, elegant and pure, imbued with a sense of antiquity. It is a rare treasure among bound books made of Xuan paper. This book is the preferred choice for many literature and history enthusiasts and an ideal collection for libraries, enterprises, institutions, and government leaders.
Zeng Guofan (1811–1872), styled Bohan and known as Desheng, was a native of Xiangxiang, Hunan. He was one of the most influential figures in modern Chinese history. His life was complex and controversial, praised and criticized alike: during the Qing Dynasty's declining rule, he stabilized the nation by ruthlessly suppressing the Taiping Rebellion, earning the title of "prominent minister of the Central Restoration." In the face of foreign invasions, he advocated strengthening the nation through military and economic reforms, becoming known as the "pioneer of the Self-Strengthening Movement." His literary style was unique, and his disciples and followers spanned the country, earning him praise such as "moral comparable to Zhuge Liang, achievements rivaling Xiao He and Cao Cao, and literary prowess equal to Han Yu and Ouyang Xiu."
However, for his brutal suppression of peasant uprisings, he was dubbed the "hangman" or "Zeng Sh." During the "Tianjin Incident," his actions of killing and ceding territory led to accusations of being a traitor and a sellout. The renowned scholar Zhang Taiyan aptly summarized Zeng Guofan's life as "praised as a sage and condemned as a villain."
The Way of Self-Cultivation
The Way of Educating Children
The Way of Family Management
The Way of Making Friends
The Way of Utilizing People
The Way of Social Conduct
The Way of Financial Management
The Way of Military Governance
The Way of Political Administration