Marenlin's Critique -- A Series of Critiques on Chinese Thinkers

Author: Wang Ruiming
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-12-01
Features: Ma Duanlin was a renowned historian during the transitional period between the Song and Yuan dynasties. In pursuit of methods to govern the state and ensure the well-being of the people, he explored the principles of integrating tradition with innovation, emphasized the flexibility of policies, and drew inspiration from Du You's Tongdian to complete his comprehensive work, Wenxian Tongkao. Wenxian Tongkao is a monumental work in the study of ancient Chinese institutional systems, distinguished by its unique structure, abundant historical materials, rich content, and insightful commentary. This book discusses the life and achievements of Ma Duanlin, explaining his historical context, family background, political ideals, economic intentions, historiographical thought, and historical methods in nine chapters. It concludes with an introduction to the achievements in textual criticism of Wenxian Tongkao, its purpose of writing, and the evaluations it received throughout history, authentically reflecting Ma Duanlin's true persona and historiographical contributions.