Classic Stories of the Records of the Grand Historian

Author: Zhao Zhenye
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), written by the Western Han historian Sima Qian, is a monumental historical work in China's annals. It is not only the foundational work of Chinese annalistic historiography but also the pioneer of Chinese biographical literature. Sima Qian's narrative approach, which centers on individuals to tell history, was not only a first in historical writing but also had a profound influence on later literary creations. Shiji is not merely a historical text but also possesses the poetic essence and charm of poetry. Drawing inspiration from the unrestrained style of the Warring States prose, it became a wellspring of inspiration for later literary works. Its writing techniques, stylistic features, and linguistic characteristics have all been revered by later prose writers. From the "Eight Great Masters of Classical Prose" in the Tang and Song dynasties to the "Front and Rear Seven Scholars" of the Ming dynasty and the Tongcheng School of the Qing dynasty, all held Shiji in high esteem, with its writing deeply influenced by Sima Qian. From Tang Dynasty legends to novels, traces of Shiji can be seen in character portrayal, plot arrangement, and scene depiction. Its influence extended even to Song and Yuan Dynasty opera. As a treasure trove of high artistic value, Shiji has been repeatedly explored and utilized by later generations. Thus, it is no wonder that Zheng Qiao would praise it as "the method that historians of the following dynasties cannot change, and the book that scholars cannot abandon, the only work after the Six Classics," or that modern literary master Lu Xun would acclaim it as "the peerless masterpiece of historians, an unrhymed Li Sao."
The stories in this book are selected from the "House Histories" (Shiji) and "Biographies" (Liezhuan) sections of Shiji, mostly classic historical tales widely known and beloved by later generations. The classical Chinese translation strives to preserve the original style while remaining flexible in. The choice of words and writing style emphasizes the original text's dynamic and unrestrained prose, while also catering to the reading habits of modern audiences. It is hoped that Shiji Classic Stories not only conveys the truth of history but also brings enjoyment to readers.