Accidental or incidental (Notes on Reading History by a Reporter)

Author: Tian Dongjiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: "Observing the Past and Present Together" is a common way of thinking among Chinese scholars. The author, Tian Dongjiang, is the Director of the Commentary Office of the Southern Daily, and this book is a collection of essays and commentaries written from early 1998 to late 2004. The first part consists of articles from his column "New Interpretations of Ancient History," mostly in the style of historical notes on ancient figures and events. Upon closer reading, it becomes clear that each piece is a metaphorical reflection on the present through the lens of the past. The second part is in the form of contemporary commentaries, often connecting current news to historical context, providing a profound sense of historical depth and reflecting the author's concern for reality. As the author puts it, "observing the past and present together," he critiques current issues or cites classical texts, making for an engaging read.