History of the Republic of China: Collected Materials - Biographies of Figures in the Republic of China (Volume 11)

Author: Yan Rufeng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-07-01
Features: In August 1972, we accepted the task of compiling A History of the Republic of China. We immediately held a symposium to discuss it. After repeated deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that: explaining the rise and fall of the last feudal dynasty in China—the Republic of China—through Marxist perspectives was not only necessary but also possible. Based on this understanding, we proposed the following preliminary plan:
1. Compiling A History of the Republic of China must adhere to Marxist guidance as the principle, and we must not follow the traditional Chinese feudal methods of historical writing.
2. To write a book titled A History of the Republic of China, it is proposed to be divided into three volumes:
- Volume I: The Establishment of the Republic of China (1905–1912)
- Volume II: The Rule of the Beiyang Government (1912–1927)
- Volume III: The Rule of the Nationalist Government (1927–1949)
3. Compile three types of materials:
- Type 1: A Chronology of Major Events in the Republic of China
- Type 2: Biographical Dictionary of the Republic of China
- Type 3: Politics, Economy, and Culture of the Republic of China (thematic materials)
Regarding the Biographical Dictionary, approximately 1,000 biographies need to be written, about 4,000 names are to be included in the dictionary, and several additional biographical tables are also planned. We have no experience in writing biographies, so we have only preliminarily proposed the following requirements:
1. Adhere to Marxist guidance. To write a biography of a person, one must fully gather materials and conduct serious research. Only when one has a comprehensive understanding of the person's life, a concrete judgment on their major actions and words, and confidence that these concepts and judgments align with objective historical reality, can one begin writing.
2. Use narrative style, not critical biographies. The correct perspective should be presented through specific facts. Avoid excessive commentary detached from factual material. The selection and arrangement of facts, as well as wording, must be carefully considered to ensure appropriateness.
3. Ensure accuracy and credibility. The facts in the biography must be repeatedly verified, with some requiring further investigation, to ensure they are correct. If there are doubts that cannot be resolved, it is better to omit or remain uncertain rather than spread misinformation.
4. Reflect the full picture of a person while highlighting key aspects. A biography should truthfully reflect a person's family background, education, major experiences, and actions. However, it should not be a mere chronicle or chronology. Focus on one or two essential events that best reveal their essence, writing them in detail and vividly, while keeping the rest brief.
5. Write in vernacular Chinese, striving for conciseness. Avoid quotations unless necessary, and if used, cite the source. Each biography should generally be between 2,000 to 3,000 words, not excessively long.
6. Include a list of major reference materials at the end of the draft.