Tongdian (Volumes 1-5)

Author: Tang Du You (compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: Tongdian is dedicated to describing the evolution and changes of historical institutions and regulations, from the legendary Yellow Emperor in ancient times to the end of the Tianbao era of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (changes after Emperor Shaozong and Daizong are sometimes included in the notes). It is divided into nine categories, with Shifuo (Economic Affairs) as the first, followed by Xuanju (Selections), Zhi guan (Official Positions), Li (Rites), Yue (Music), Bing (Military), Xing (Penalties), Zhou (Provinces), Xian (Counties), and Bianfang (Border Defense). Each category is further subdivided into specific topics. For historical institutions and regulations, it provides detailed accounts of their origins and sometimes includes discussions of previous scholars' opinions, as well as its own insights and arguments in the form of explanations, discussions, critiques, and debates. Tongdian was written by Du You. The style of Tongdian imitates the Zhi (Records) sections of traditional dynastic histories, transforming a period-based approach into a comprehensive historical one. It is a specialized historical work in the Dianzhi (Institutional Records) style, documenting the evolution and changes of political, economic, and other institutions throughout history. Tongdian chronicles the institutions from the legendary Yellow Emperor down to the end of the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty. It is the first Dianzhi style historical work in Chinese history to record the institutions and regulations of past dynasties, opening up a new path for the development of historical studies.