Zizhi Tongjian

Author: Wen Jing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Zizhi Tongjian is an outstanding chronological history masterpiece, written after nineteen years of arduous effort by the famous Northern Song Dynasty statesman and historian Sima Guang, with the assistance of historians like Liu Shu and Fan Zuyu. The book covers events from the Warring States period (403 BC) to the Five Dynasties period (959 AD), spanning 1,362 years and comprising 294 volumes. Emperor Shenzong of Song praised the work for its ability to "reflect on past events and provide insights for governance," hence the name Zizhi Tongjian. To facilitate readers' better understanding and appreciation of Zizhi Tongjian, the supplementary volume Du Tongjian Lun, written by Wang Shanshan and known as the "Tongjian of Tongjians," has been included, forming a monumental work that seamlessly blends historical records with critical analysis. Du Tongjian Lun consists of 30 volumes, systematically commenting on the long history from the Qin Dynasty to the Five Dynasties period as recorded in Zizhi Tongjian. It analyzes the successes and failures, rises and declines, and the pros and cons of various dynasties, offering evaluations of figures, summarizing experiences, drawing lessons from the past for the present, and exploring the laws of historical development. The book is renowned for its eloquent prose, insightful analysis, and unique perspectives, making it one of the most systematic and brilliant works in traditional historical criticism, truly deserving of the title "the Tongjian of Tongjians."