Personal Library -- Zizhi Tongjian (1-3)

Author: Sima Guang (Northern Song Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features:▼Complete Content▼Sandalwood Aroma▼Compact and Portable▼Original Illustrations▼Easy to Carry
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 and tumultuous social life scenes, as well as successfully numerous lifelike historical figures. Over the course of a thousand years, 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, countless 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 irresponsibly rushed and poorly made, either cutting and splicing content or making arbitrary annotations, misleading readers. Zizhi Tongjian is a collective historical work, with Sima Guang as the chief editor and Liu Shu, Liu Ban, and Fan Zuyu as associate editors. Sima Guang's son, Sima Kang, was responsible for reviewing the text. Originally, Sima Guang intended to name the work Tongzhi, but after Emperor Shenzong ascended the throne, he renamed it Zizhi Tongjian, meaning "Learning from the past to benefit governance."