A Compendium of Chinese History -- Penglaige Series

Author: Zhang Y
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-12-01
Features: A Compendium of Chinese History is richly referenced and comprehensive, interpreting themes with abundant historical and literary materials and a free writing style. Vertically, it narrates the thousands of years of historical evolution of Beijing. Horizontally, it showcases various aspects of Beijing culture: the inner city and suburbs; urban areas and wilderness; the imperial family and the common people; palaces, imperial gardens, temples, pagodas, sculptures, paintings, calligraphy, and more—giving an overview or detailed insights into these artistic elements. All of these are supplemented as much as possible with photographs and maps, making the text richly illustrated and vibrant. A Compendium of Chinese History is also an indispensable masterpiece for the Chinese people.
Introduction: Author Zhang Y was a highly talented and thoughtful scholar during the Republican era, highly regarded and expected by his mentors such as Liang Qichao, Chen Yinque, and Qian Mu, among others. Regrettably, he passed away at a young age, living only 37 years. This book is the only work left behind by his short life, yet it fully demonstrates his profound insight, extensive knowledge, and insightful, enduring thoughts. At the time of writing, the book was intended as a supplementary reader for history textbooks (A Compendium of Chinese History volume), making its style more lively, easy to read, and free of dryness or stiffness, while still being rich in intellectual depth and theoretical rigor. Moreover, the author’s deep affection and respect for the history of the Chinese nation ensure that the book is free of superficiality, emptiness, or exaggeration. Many of its viewpoints and ideas remain highly valuable and relevant even today. The preface, specially written by historian Wang Jiavan for this edition, is vivid, insightful, and profound, truly a perfect match with the text.