History of the Later Han (Essential Collection of Chinese Family Classics. Volume of Famous Historical Works)

Author: Li Lixuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Compared to Ban Zhao's works, it not only does not fall short but also surpasses them. He wanted to write all the chronicles, ensuring that all the contents of the Former Han were included, even if the events were not numerous, and to make the text as comprehensive as possible. He also wanted to insert discussions within the chapters to evaluate the achievements and shortcomings of the era, but this plan was not realized. The prefaces in this book are my brilliant thoughts, with not a single word wasted. The style is extraordinary and boundless, and it is difficult to describe its unique combination of different styles. This book will surely find appreciative readers. — Fan Ye, "Letter from Prison to Nephews and Nieces"
After writing the Later Han, I found a clearer sense of continuity. Upon carefully reviewing the ancient and modern writings and critiques, I found few that truly satisfied me. Ban Zhao has a high reputation, but since he acted according to his own will without strict rules, only his chronicles are commendable. His breadth and richness cannot be matched, but his organization is not inferior. My miscellaneous biographies and commentaries all have profound meaning, and regarding the officials of integrity and the prefaces and commentaries on the six barbarian tribes, the style is unrestrained, truly extraordinary works in the world. — Fan Ye, "Letter from Prison to Nephews and Nieces"
The Later Han has ten volumes of chronicles and eighty volumes of biographies, written by Fan Ye. Fan Ye, styled Weizong, was from Shunyang in the Southern Dynasties of Song. He was born in the second year of Long'an (398 AD) during the reign of Emperor An of Jin. He was the grandson of Fan Ning, the governor of Yujiang in Jin, and the illegitimate son of Fan Tai, the court attendant of the Song Dynasty. He was adopted by his cousin Fan Hongzhi and inherited the title of Marquis of Wuxing. He served as a counselor to Prince of Pengcheng Liu Yikang and was promoted several times, eventually becoming the Minister of Personnel in the Ministry of Personnel. In the first year of Emperor Wen of Song (424 AD), he was demoted to the position of Governor of Xuancheng due to an incident that displeased Liu Yikang. The Later Han was written during this time. Later, he was promoted again, reaching the position of Left Guardian General and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. In the 22nd year of Emperor Wen's reign (445 AD), he was accused of plotting with Kong Xixian and others to usurp the throne and was executed for treason.