History of the Han Dynasty (Complete 12 Volumes) -- Traditional Vertical Layout

Author: Ban Gu compiled, Yan Shigu annotated
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: The Book of Han is a historical record in the form of biographies and chronicles. It was completed through the efforts of Ban Biao, Ban Gu, Ban Zhao, and Ma Xuyun. It is a magnificent work with literary brilliance, accurate records, and impartial perspectives. It is renowned alongside the Records of the Grand Historian, the History of the Later Han, and the Records of the Three Kingdoms as the "Four Great Histories," and has been highly esteemed by historians. The continuity of Chinese culture over 5,000 years is reflected in the continuous series of 24 Histories, with each dynasty's official history following the style of the Book of Han. This demonstrates the significance of the Book of Han. Countless allusions and academic works originate from it. Without reading the Book of Han, one cannot appreciate its charm. The Book of Han comprises 120 volumes, consisting of 12 chronicles, 8 tables, 10 treatises, and 70 biographies. It covers events from Emperor Gaozu of Han to Wang Mang, focusing on the history of Western Han, hence its designation as a "period-specific history" (though some tables and treatises, like the "Table of Figures from Antiquity to the Present," include figures from before the Han Dynasty, these are exceptions). The practice of writing period-specific histories began with Ban Gu, and subsequent dynasties' official histories followed the style of the Book of Han. It includes everything from emperors and ministers to scholars and recluses, as well as topics ranging from astronomy and food and finance to government officials and counties.