Biography of Republic of China Figures (11)

Author: Institute of Modern History, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-07-01
Features: In August 1972, we accepted the task of compiling A History of the Republic of China. We immediately held a symposium to discuss it. After repeated deliberations, it was unanimously agreed that: explaining the rise and fall of the last feudal dynasty in China—the Republic of China—with Marxist perspectives was not only necessary but also possible. Based on this understanding, we proposed the following preliminary plan:
1. When compiling A History of the Republic of China, it must adhere to Marxist guidance and cannot follow the traditional Chinese feudal methods of historical writing.
2. To write a book titled A History of the Republic of China, it is proposed to be divided into three volumes:
- Volume I: The Establishment of the Republic of China (1905–1912)
- Volume II: The Rule of the Beiyang Government (1912–1927)
- Volume III: The Rule of the Nationalist Government (1927–1949)
3. To compile three types of materials:
- Type 1: A Chronology of Major Events in the Republic of China
- Type 2: Biographical Dictionary of the Republic of China
- Type 3: Politics, Economy, and Culture of the Republic of China (thematic materials)
Regarding the Biographical Dictionary, approximately 1,000 biographies need to be written, about 4,000 names are to be included in the dictionary, and several character tables are also planned to be compiled. We have no experience in writing biographies and have only preliminarily proposed the following requirements:
1. Adhere to Marxist guidance. When writing a biography, one must fully utilize materials and conduct serious research. Only when one has a comprehensive understanding of a person’s life, a concrete judgment on their major actions and words, and is confident that these concepts and judgments align with objective historical reality, can one begin writing.
2. Use narrative style, not critical biographies. The correct perspective should be presented through specific facts. Avoid excessive commentary detached from factual material. The selection, detail, and wording must be carefully considered to ensure appropriateness.
3. Ensure accuracy and credibility. Facts in the biography must be repeatedly verified, and some may require further investigation to ensure they are correct. If doubts cannot be resolved, it is better to omit or remain uncertain rather than spread misinformation.
4. Reflect the full picture of a person while highlighting key aspects. A biography should truthfully present a person’s family background, education, major experiences, and actions. However, it should not be a mere chronology or genealogy. Focus on one or two key events that best reflect their essence, writing them in detail and vividly, while leaving others brief.
5. Write in vernacular Chinese, striving for conciseness. Avoid quotations unless necessary, and if used, cite the source. Each biography should generally be 2,000 to 3,000 words, not excessively long.
6. Include a bibliography of major reference materials at the end of the draft.