Research on Ancient Chinese Society (Including Two Other Works.) -- Twentieth-Century Masterpieces of Chinese Historiography

Author: Guo Moruo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: The 20th century has passed, and the history of China has undergone a century of transformation and innovation, a century of prosperity and abundance. The achievements of this century have been remarkable, with a succession of renowned scholars, making it worthy of study and summary. The series "Masterpieces of 20th-Century Chinese History" published by this press aims to systematically present the historical achievements of the last century, offering readers the works of the most representative historians. Research on Ancient Chinese Society includes an introduction and four main essays: individual studies on the Book of Changes (Zhou Yi), the Book of Songs (Shijing), the Book of Documents (Shujing), oracle bone inscriptions, and bronze inscriptions (Yimeng). The Book of Changes, the Book of Documents, and the Book of Songs are ancient texts from over two thousand years ago, with mixed authenticity and unclear origins. Guo Moruo handled them with considerable caution, demonstrating his expertise in resolving doubts. For example, the three essays Yao Dian, Gao Yao Mo, and Yu Gong were already identified as forgeries by previous scholars. Guo Moruo presented seven pieces of evidence to prove them as creations of Confucianism. Particularly in his interpretation of the Book of Changes, the Book of Documents, and the Book of Songs, he offered many original and insightful analyses. For instance, the once-mysterious Bagua (Eight Trigrams) were often subject to various misinterpretations by predecessors. Guo Moruo, however, uncovered their dual meanings as related to reproduction and mathematics, depicting a realistic picture of daily life from the hexagram and line texts. His sharp thinking and innovative interpretations are evident throughout Research on Ancient Chinese Society.