Contemporary Chinese History Series

Author: Gu Jiegang wrote
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-04-01
Features: This book covers nearly a century, based on the author's year of death. Occasionally, for the sake of convenience, it briefly mentions years beyond this range, but only when they are not too far off. For convenience in narration, a single book may appear in two sections, such as Mr. Fu Leohuan's Table of Envoys Between Song and Liao, which is found in both the section on chronological history studies and the section on traditional-style writing. Gu Jiegang, broadly speaking, is one of the founders of modern Chinese historiography; specifically, he was the leader of the influential "Distinguishing Ancient History" movement in modern Chinese academic history. The author's unique status determines the special significance of this book. From it, we can see both the observations and critiques of this founder, who was knowledgeable in multiple fields of historiography, personally participated in numerous historiographical activities, connected with many renowned historians, and edited various historiographical works, on the discipline and his peers; and we can also see the leader's special dedication to explaining and evaluating the historiographical movement he led. When reflecting on and summarizing Chinese academia in the 20th century, the influence of "Distinguishing Ancient History"—both positive and negative—cannot be ignored, and the relevant parts of this book are a firsthand, direct, and intimate summary. Gu Jiegang was one of the representative figures of modern Chinese historiography, and his Contemporary Chinese Historiography was first published in the year of Japan's surrender in the Anti-Japanese War. This book systematically discusses and fairly evaluates the fluctuations of historiographical trends and the achievements of historiographical research over the preceding century, naturally including the author's personal reflections on Distinguishing Ancient History and his "self-narration." The book has a clear structure and fluent writing. Though only 100,000 words long, it is regarded as a classic in the field of the history of modern Chinese historiography due to its lofty purpose and dense information.