Zizhi Tongjian (Basic Collection of Chinese Families. Volume of Famous Historical Works)

Author: Wang Zhenfang, Wang Zhaohua, selected and edited
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-08-01
Features: I believe among the classics of governance by the sages, none is superior to Sima Guang's Zizhi Tongjian. His discussions on the past are all balanced and just, opening up minds. If one reads this book thoroughly, when entering public service in the future, they will have a firm foundation 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 abundant sources make it a must-have reference for later historians writing comprehensive histories, yet to this day, no work has surpassed it. Wen Gong was 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. It covers a long span of time and includes even more extensive content, 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 source of self-governance when seeking to govern and will not know how to prevent chaos when fearing it. 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 in planning for himself and may not leave a lasting legacy in his deeds.
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 prosperity and decline of politics, as well as the virtue and vice of individual 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 edition selects 25 major events, arranged chronologically with titles and annotations.