The History of Changes in the Family of Confucius, the First Family in the World

Author: Li Pengcheng, Wang Houxiang (editors)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Writing a book is not easy, and writing a history book is even harder. Confucius is at the top of the list of world-renowned figures in history and culture, attracting many followers and researchers, naturally leading to a wealth of research results. To write about Confucius and the Confucius family, one must possess academic courage and, of course, a solid historical foundation. The authors of The World's Family—The Historical Changes of the Confucius Family, Li Pengcheng and Wang Houxiang, have taken a unique approach, focusing on family studies to discuss the historical changes and cultural origins of the Confucius family in Qufu, enriching the field of Confucius studies and embodying the spirit of academic innovation. Both young authors graduated from the History Department of Qufu Normal University. Li Pengcheng studied there twenty years ago, while Wang Houxiang pursued her graduate studies under my guidance for three years. Both have been engaged in teaching and research, achieving notable accomplishments. They have now presented their new work, asking me to write the preface—not just out of teacher-student affection, but also because of the appeal of their work. I readily agreed. After a preliminary review, I believe the book has the following characteristics:
First, a broad span, the entire process. The authors are able to present the entire historical changes of the Confucius family in Qufu across two thousand years from a fresh perspective.
Second, abundant and accurate historical materials. Historical works rely on accurate and detailed historical materials, which distinguish them from literary works and form the lifeblood of historical studies. This book features rich and well-utilized historical materials, demonstrating the scientific rigor and logical strength of the work and enhancing its historical value.
Third, concise language with strong academic depth. The depth of a historical work depends not only on the materials and the historian's thought but also on the expression of language. Only in this way can it endure over time, as historical works are also creations meant for readers. Elegant language can spark readers' interest and produce broad social impact. This book is neither dry nor tedious to read, with concise and fluent prose that embodies the aesthetic value of historical research, effectively blending academic rigor and artistic expression.
The book explores the origins and historical evolution of the Confucius family in Qufu, Shandong, delving into the cultural heritage of the Confucius family in history.