Tongdian [Complete 5 volumes] Fine

Author: Tang Du You (compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: Not available
Features: Tongdian is dedicated to describing the evolution and changes of historical institutions and systems, from the legendary Yellow Emperor in ancient times to the end of the Tianbao era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (reforms after Emperor Shaozong and Daizong are sometimes included in the notes). It is divided into nine categories, with Shihuo (Economy) as the first, followed by Xuanju (Selections), Zhi guan (Official Positions), Li (Rites), Yue (Music), Bing (Military), Xing (Penal Code), Zhou (Provinces), Xian (Counties), and Bianfang (Border Defense). Each category is further subdivided into sub-topics. For historical institutions and systems, it provides detailed accounts of their origins and sometimes includes discussions of previous scholars' opinions, as well as its own insights and proposals in the form of shuo (exposition), yi (argument), ping (evaluation), and lun (discourse). Tongdian was written by Du You. The style of Tongdian imitates the Zhi (Records) sections of dynastic histories in the Jiuzhuan (Biographies) format, transforming a dynastic history into a comprehensive history. It is a specialized historical work in the Dianzhi (Institutional) style, documenting the evolution and changes of political, economic, and other institutions throughout history. Tongdian records the institutions from the legendary Yellow Emperor down to the end of the Tianbao era in Tang. It is the first Dianzhi style historical work in Chinese history to document the institutions of past dynasties, opening a new path for the development of historical studies.