Zizhi Tongjian - Bao Yong's Colloquial Version - Volume 2: The Rise and Fall of the Later Han

Author: Sima Guang (compiled), Bo Yang (translated)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Zizhi Tongjian is a monumental historical work that condenses the political operations and power struggles of ancient China. It has long been a must-read for emperors and kings seeking lessons from history for governance. Nine hundred years later, Mr. Bo Yang spent ten years (1983–1993) translating it into modern language, personally redrawing maps, and infusing his own historical perspectives to discuss the causes and consequences of historical successes and failures. This made a history book originally intended only for emperors, kings, and high officials so accessible to readers today. The colloquial version of Zizhi Tongjian titled "Qin Feng Han Yu" (four volumes) was created by the Taiwanese scholar Bo Yang and published by Beiyue Literature and Art Press. Bo Yang began translating Zizhi Tongjian in 1983, publishing it in monthly installments as Bo Yang's Version of Zizhi Tongjian by the Taiwan Yilin Publishing Company. Over the years (1983–1993), Mr. Bo Yang translated Zizhi Tongjian into modern language, personally redrew maps, and incorporated his own historical insights to discuss the causes and consequences of historical successes and failures, making a history book originally reserved for the elite so relatable to contemporary readers. The series underwent extensive revisions—on one hand, correcting and refining the names and places in the original text to address numerous omissions and errors, and on the other hand, adapting the wording and narrative style to suit the reading habits of mainland Chinese readers and modern Chinese language norms. Additionally, historical maps and charts were redrawn based on the Comprehensive Atlas of Chinese History and the latest research findings.