Contemporary Chinese historiography

Author: Gu Jiegang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: This book covers nearly a century, based on the author's year of death. Occasionally, for the sake of convenience, it briefly mentions years beyond this range, but only when they are not too far off. Sometimes, for the sake of convenience in narration, a book may appear in two sections, such as Mr. Fu Leohuan's Table of Diplomatic Envoys Between Song and Liao, which is included in both the section on chronological history studies and the section on traditional-style writing. Gu Jiegang, in general, is one of the founders of modern Chinese historiography; specifically, he was the leader of the influential "Dialectical Disquisition on Ancient History" movement in modern Chinese academic history. The author's unique status determines the special significance of this book. From it, we can see both the observations and critiques of this founder, who was knowledgeable in multiple fields of historiography, personally participated in numerous historiographical activities, connected with many renowned historians, and edited various historiographical works, as well as the leader's detailed elaboration and evaluation of the historiographical movement he led. When reflecting on and summarizing Chinese academic history in the 20th century, the influence of the "Dialectical Disquisition on Ancient History"—both its positive and negative aspects—cannot be ignored, and the relevant sections of this book are firsthand, direct, and intimate summaries. Gu Jiegang is one of the representative figures of modern Chinese historiography, and his Contemporary Chinese Historiography was first published in the year of Japan's surrender in the Anti-Japanese War. This book systematically discusses and fairly evaluates the fluctuations of historiographical trends and the achievements of historiographical research over the preceding century, naturally including the "self-narration" of the author's interest in Dialectical Disquisition on Ancient History. The book has a clear structure and fluent writing. Although it only has 100,000 words, due to its lofty purpose and dense information, it has long been regarded as a classic in the field of modern Chinese historiographical history.