Zhuangzi Essence - A Classic Reading of National Culture

Author: Li Nanhui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Zuo Zhuan was compiled based on Lu Chunqiu, so its narrative is entirely arranged in the order of the rulers of Lu. It begins with the first year of Duke Yin of Lu (722 BC) and ends with the twenty-seventh year of Duke Ai of Lu (468 BC), covering a span of 255 years. At the end, there is a short,account of the arrogance of the Jin nobleman Zhi Bo in the fourth year of Duke Dao of Lu (464 BC) and a prophecy of his downfall ten years later. Zuo Zhuan is also known as Spring and Autumn Zuo's Commentary or Zuo's Spring and Autumn, and is one of China's early annalistic historical works. As it explains the Spring and Autumn Annals and records the conflicts and struggles among the feudal states during the Spring and Autumn period, it excels in narrative and character portrayal, making it also a renowned prose classic with literary value. It is traditionally attributed to Zuo Qiuming, the historian of Lu during the late Spring and Autumn period. This work narrates the historical facts of the political, military, economic, and diplomatic aspects of the feudal states from the first year of Duke Yin of Lu (722 BC) to the twenty-seventh year of Duke Ai of Lu (468 BC) over more than 250 years, with a focus on the conflicts and rivalries between the feudal states at the time. The content is quite rich. This book selects some classic passages from Zuo Zhuan. Additionally, the editor provides a brief introduction for each piece, explaining the origins and development of the events, relevant background, and occasionally offering literary critiques.