A Brief History of the Imperial Examination System in China

Author: Lin Bai / Zhu Meifang
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-09-01
Features: There are two notable features of this book: First, it is popular and concise. The content covered in this book can be said to include all aspects of the development of the imperial examination system, but it avoids tedious academic (academic does not need translation, return as is), instead narrating in a conversational manner, as if sharing everyday stories, to readers about some key knowledge of the imperial examination. For example, under the title "Selection of Candidates from the Left and Right Banners," it very clearly explains the racial discrimination in the Yuan Dynasty's imperial examinations, while the section "Miscellaneous Records of Foreign Scholars" succinctly clarifies the influence of China's imperial examination system on neighboring countries. Second, it is interesting and highly readable. The book introduces knowledge about the imperial examination system not in a dry, formal manner, but through vivid and engaging stories, making it very readable. For instance, the chapter "Both Passing and Failing Are Suitable" reflects the various mindsets of scholars after the examinations through a series of small stories, while the chapter "Imperial Scholars: The Stars of the Imperial Examination" presents the diverse lives of top scholars through entertaining stories. In summary, after reading it multiple times, I couldn't help but praise the book, believing the authors have done a highly meaningful job. Not only do they effectively convey ancient imperial examination knowledge to a broad audience, but they also greatly benefit them in further understanding traditional excellent culture—truly a commendable achievement. Indeed, the imperial examination system was an important ancient Chinese system that integrated politics, education, and culture into a unified method of selecting officials.