Book of Documents: Complete Collection of Ancient and Modern Texts

Author: Guo Rencheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: The Book of Documents is one of the "Four Books and Five Classics" and also China's earliest historical document, as well as one of the most renowned historical classics in ancient times. At the same time, it is also China's earliest collection of official documents, including speeches, decrees and proclamations, as well as records of conversations. In terms of time span, its recorded events range from Tang Yao in the late primitive society to Qin Mu Gong of the Spring and Autumn period. This earliest surviving Chinese document, often described as "awkward and obscure," is difficult to read. However, after the author translates it into modern language, it becomes fluent and accessible, as if engaging in a conversation with ordinary people today, making it easy to understand! The title of this book, The Complete Book of Documents (Classical and Modern Texts), is chosen because it includes fifty-eight chapters, covering arguments, annotations, and modern translations. Compared to the traditional old Book of Documents, it incorporates the latest research findings; compared to contemporary Book of Documents versions that only include twenty-eight chapters of modern texts, it addresses the common shortcoming felt by readers, allowing modern readers to study ancient texts in their entirety and grasp their complete picture.