The edge of history

Author: Zeng Jixin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Book of Changes is the cornerstone of the Chinese civilization, the common source of Confucianism and Taoism. Discussing figures, it turns the wheel of Chinese history, revealing the human nature hidden deep in the past. Zeng Jixin is one of the earliest writers of cultural and historical essays in China. He is a writer with a sense of reality and historical responsibility. His cultural and historical essays focus on the modern understanding and evaluation of historical events and figures. Not only does he possess rich historical knowledge, but he also embodies the humanistic sentiments of contemporary writers, making him one of the most significant achievements in Chinese essay writing in recent years. – Xie Yong (Renowned scholar, one of the "50 Public Intellectuals Influencing China")
The scholar-writer Zeng Jixin's The Edge of History takes ancient historical figures as its starting point, weaving passion and reason into poetic prose to describe and reflect on various aspects of Chinese history. This book blends the weight of history, the agility of literature, and the wisdom of philosophy, making it a rare and grand work of sweeping vision on the Chinese literary scene in recent years. – Hu Ping (Renowned writer and scholar)
The Edge of History stands from the perspective of modern readers, using the enlightenment ideas introduced from the West as a reference. It analyzes events and discusses theories, integrating reason into facts, targeting specific issues. It carries both the sense of historical change and strong relevance to the present. Zeng’s descriptions are vivid, his arguments insightful, and his writing harmonious in both style and substance. Not only is it engaging and thought-provoking, but it also inspires deep reflection. – Chang Qie (Renowned critic and professor of the Chinese Department at Wuhan University)
The book features Zhou Wenwang, discusses Lü Buwei, speaks of Qin Shi Huang, analyzes Liu Bang, reads about Dong Zhongshu, talks about Cao Cao, evaluates Tuoba Hong, recites Li Shimin, remembers Zhao Kuangyin, and deliberates on Zhu Yuanzhang, recognizing Wu Sangui. Through the narrative of history, its the complex stage of history from the perspective of human nature, depicting a colorful historical landscape. Recommended by Xie Yong, Hu Ping, Chang Qie, and He Lianbolu (Mei Yi), Zeng Jixin, the author of A Dream of a Thousand Years and a Nation, has reached a new peak in history writing after ten years of effort. Is it heroes who create history, or the people who create history? This seemingly settled question is now posed to the readers once again. "How many things have risen and fallen through the ages." With a modern consciousness, Zeng takes a unique perspective to analyze history and tells us: history loves to play tricks on people. Eliminating the "sense of distance from history" is the best way for us to reflect on it. Analyzing the "truth of history" and placing individuals back into the long river and vast space of history is a unique process of observing the vivid human nature within history.
This book ingeniously finds the golden entry point for major events in Chinese history, selecting 11 typical figures who have had a pivotal and profound impact on Chinese philosophy, thought, culture, politics, economy, military, and institutions. With an transcendent perspective and a new rational view of history, it comprehensively repositions these historical figures: Zhou Wenwang, Lü Buwei, Qin Shi Huang, Liu Bang, Dong Zhongshu, Cao Cao, Tuoba Hong, Li Shimin, Zhao Kuangyin, Zhu Yuanzhang, and Wu Sangui. After reading, we will find that their heavy breaths once influenced the course of Chinese history.