Zhuang Zhuan Quan Yi (Shang Xia)

Author: MingZuoqiu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1990-11-01
Features: This book records some major historical events between the Zhou Dynasty and the various vassal states from the first year of Duke Yin of Lu (722 BC) to the twenty-seventh year of Duke Ai of Lu (468 BC), covering a total of 255 years. The work reflects the actual conditions of the time to a certain extent and holds progressive significance. Many of the historical records it documents have become an important part of traditional Chinese culture. The Zuo Zhuan narrates the history of the Spring and Autumn period over more than 250 years, though it contains only over 80,000 words, it is rich in content beyond the text itself and can also be read as a history of science and technology or military history. In the early Spring and Autumn period, measurements of the winter solstice were often inaccurate, but they gradually improved, showing the progress in observation. At the same time, people also knew about the 19-year 7-leap-month cycle, which was another form of progress. The Zuo Zhuan frequently cites the Military (a classic military text), such as when Duke Xuan of Jin quoted the Military in the twelfth year of Duke Ding, saying, "The first to seize the heart of the enemy will win," and thus launched an offensive that led to a major victory over the Jin army. The Art of War by Sun Tzu, consisting of 13 chapters, may be seen as a summary of military texts from the Spring and Autumn period.