Dynasties of National Fortune (Complete 11 Volumes)

Author: Sun Linnan, Luan Fan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The Rise and Fall of Dynasties is not a condensation of the Twenty-Four Histories or a imitation of a grand historical tome. Although it describes the rise and fall of dynasties and changes in eras, it does not present the cyclical view of "division leads to unity and unity leads to division." While it includes the deeds of the formidable Qin Shi Huang and Han Wudi, the somewhat less literary Tang Zong and Song Zong, the great conqueror Genghis Khan, and the horseback emperor Nurhaci, it does not offer subjective evaluations of them. What this book presents to readers are the hardships of founding a dynasty, the difficulties of maintaining one, the wisdom of ruling wisely, the struggles of reviving a dynasty, and the folly of its decline. Look, when dynasties were founded, the wise rulers led their advisors and fierce generals, working in harmony, sacrificing their lives, leaving future generations moved. Yet, as soon as a realm was unified, tragedies like "the birds are shot, the bows are hidden" and "the rabbits are killed, the dogs are cooked" unfolded. When dynasties were maintained, ruled wisely, or revived, one would see the far-sighted plans of virtuous rulers, the long-term strategies of capable ministers, and the ruthless but effective generals. But in times of decline and folly, corruption and decay would inevitably arrive like twins, bringing misfortune to the nation and its people. The people would be forced to rise up in rebellion, as the saying goes, "The call of the common soldiers led to the raising of the Hangu Pass." All of this vividly shows how one dynasty was built and another destroyed, and how the people drove the wheel of history forward. This book will also show readers how figures of heroic and tragic proportions disappear forever; how those who diagnose loyalty and treachery from their sickbeds gain insight; how those who wield fans and silk robes win decisive victories over thousands of miles; and how those who stabilize and restore dynasties eliminate tyranny and bring peace. All of these leave behind not only a spirit and integrity but also contemplation and reflection for later generations. The Pre-Qin by Yun Zhang, The Western Han by Wen Xing, The Eastern Han and the Three Kingdoms by Lei Daming and Xue Baicheng, The Two Jin by Jing Youquan and Li Chunxiang, The Northern and Southern Dynasties by Jing Youquan and Li Chunxiang, Sui and Tang by Zhang Yang and Wang Hao, Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms by Wang Dezhong, Yuan Dynasty by Zhao Yongchun, Ming Dynasty by Sun Linnan and Luan Fan, Qing Dynasty by Jiang Shoupeng, Republic of China by Guo Binwei