A Comprehensive History of Chinese Historical Thought: The Qing Dynasty Volume

Author: Wang Ji
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-02-01
Features: A Comprehensive History of Chinese Historical Thought has several distinctive characteristics:
First, it emphasizes the exploration of the national spirit and fine traditions of Chinese historiography. Through the study of how historians cultivated virtue in history, applied historical knowledge to practical governance, and developed ideas of transformation and awareness of national decline, as well as through the analysis of historical debates on the rise and fall of dynasties, the book demonstrates that concern for the prosperity and decline of history and the revitalization of the nation is a tradition of national historiography and lies at the core of the national spirit of Chinese historiography.
Second, it pays attention to examining the social background and mutual influence of philosophical trends in different eras on historical thought. By tracing the relationship between Chinese historiography and philosophy, the book reveals the rich connotations and profound foundations of Chinese historical thought, thereby deepening the study of historiographical ideas.
Third, it broadens the scope and approaches of historiographical studies. The book does not confine the study of historiographical thought to historians alone but expands the perspective to include the historical views of philosophers, politicians, military strategists, and others. It also emphasizes the study of historiography among ethnic minorities, combining vertical examination with horizontal analysis, case studies with thematic discussions, and in-depth textual research with systematic theoretical analysis.
The Qing Dynasty was the last feudal dynasty in China, and Qing historiography also entered the final stage of the development of traditional Chinese historiography.