Han Shu (Basic Collection of Chinese Family Books. Volume of Famous Historical Works)

Author: Ma Yushan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Ban Gu's Book of Han, although corrected according to his father's comments to address the shortcomings of Records of the Grand Historian, introduced the concept of dynastic segmentation, which was his original innovation. On one hand, he preserved the literature, while on the other, he upheld the purpose of promoting the merits of his own dynasty. This innovation had a profound impact. The scope of his work encompassed more than Records of the Grand Historian: heaven and earth, gods and spirits, human affairs, politics, morality, art, and literature—all were included. —Zhu Ziqing, Classics for Beginners
Records of the Grand Historian was completed by a single individual, while Book of Han was the work of four. The tables and treatises were completed by Lady Cao (Ban Zhao, Ban Gu's sister, married to Cao Shishu, with "jia" meaning "aunt" in this context) and Ma Xu; the chronicles and biographies drew from Ban Biao's Post-Histories for the reigns of Emperor Zhao and Emperor Ping. From Emperor Gaozu to Emperor Wu, more text was borrowed from Records of the Grand Historian. Ban Gu edited and refined the old text, which is precisely what is meant by "reporting without creating." However, the places where he edited were carefully selected, far from being hastily written. —Zhu Ziqing, Classics for Beginners