Accidental or Incidental: Notes on Reading History

Author: Tian Dongjiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: "Observing the Past and Present Together" is a common way of thinking among Chinese scholars. Tian Dongjiang, the Director of the Commentary Office of Nanfang Daily, compiled this collection of essays and commentaries written from early 1998 to late 2004. The first part consists of articles from his column "New Interpretations of Ancient History," mostly in the style of historical notes on ancient figures and events. However, upon closer reading, it becomes clear that each piece serves as a metaphor for contemporary issues. The second part is in the form of commentaries, often connecting current news to the past to provide a historical perspective, reflecting the author's concern for reality. As the author puts it, "observing the past and present together," he either criticizes current problems or cites classical texts, making for an engaging read.