Zizhi Tongjian -- Basic Collection of Chinese Family Classics

Author: Wang Zhenfang, Wang Zhaohua (selected and annotated)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-08-01
Features: I believe among the classics that guide governance, Sima Guang's Zizhi Tongjian is the most excellent. His discussions on history are balanced and just, broadening one's mind. If one reads this book thoroughly, when entering public service in the future, they will have a solid foundation to follow and avoid falling short. — Zeng Guofan, Letter to Luo Shaocun
Zizhi Tongjian is also a great literary work of heaven and earth. Its grand structure and rich sources make it a must-reference for later historians writing comprehensive histories, yet to this day, no work has surpassed it. Wen Gong is truly a great figure! — Liang Qichao, Old History of China
Zizhi Tongjian is not only a great historical work but also a great literary work. In this monumental work, the author employs keen observation and unique artistic techniques to vividly depict the vast social life and successfully create numerous lifelike historical figures.
Zizhi Tongjian pioneered the genre of chronological comprehensive history, recording events in chronological order. Not only does it cover a long span of time, but its content is also far more extensive, greatly expanding the temporal and spatial scope of annalistic history. The content primarily focuses on politics, military affairs, and ethnic relations, supplemented by social economy, intellectual culture, and important historical figures.
A ruler who does not know Zizhi Tongjian will not understand the root of self-governance when seeking to govern and will not know how to prevent chaos. A subject who does not know Zizhi Tongjian will lack the means to serve the ruler above and the ability to govern the people below. A son who does not know Zizhi Tongjian may ruin his family's reputation and leave behind deeds that do not endure.
Though Zizhi Tongjian has been passed down for over a thousand years, it remains ever more influential. Why does it possess such great charm? The late Qing thinker Gong Zizhen once said: To understand the great principles of the world, one must first study history. Zizhi Tongjian encompasses the rise and fall of society, the rise and fall of politics, as well as the goodness and badness of personal character.
This book is a selected edition of Zizhi Tongjian compiled for general readers, based on the annotated version published by the Ancient Books Publishing House after the founding of the People's Republic. The original text is in traditional characters, but this edition has been converted to simplified characters.
Zizhi Tongjian is a monumental work covering numerous figures, places, and official positions. This book selects 25 major events, arranges them in chronological order, adds titles, and provides annotations.