Zizhi Tongjian. Young Version

Author: Wei Chongxin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-08-01
Features: This book is a chronological history written by Sima Guang during the Song Dynasty in China, recording the history from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Northern Song Dynasty spanning over a thousand years. The book is rich in detailed and accurate information, with clear narration, making it a monumental work of Chinese history. It serves as an excellent resource for studying and understanding Chinese history. Written in colloquial Chinese, the book is accessible for young readers, allowing them to easily appreciate the charm of classic Chinese literature. 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 grand social life and successfully create numerous lifelike historical figures. Zizhi Tongjian pioneered the genre of chronological universal history, recording events in chronological order. It covers a vast span of time and includes a wealth of content, greatly expanding the temporal and spatial scope of chronological history. The content primarily focuses on politics, military affairs, and ethnic relations, while also encompassing socioeconomic, intellectual, and cultural aspects, as well as important historical figures.
To be a ruler who does not know Zizhi Tongjian is to desire governance without understanding the source of self-governance, or to abhor chaos without knowing how to prevent it. To be a subject who does not know Zizhi Tongjian is to lack the means to serve the ruler above or to govern the people below. To be a son who does not know Zizhi Tongjian is to risk dishonoring his ancestors in his personal pursuits and to act in ways that leave no lasting legacy.
Even after a millennium, Zizhi Tongjian remains influential and enduring. Why does it possess such great power? The late Qing Dynasty thinker Gong Zizhen once said: "To understand the great principles of the world, one must first study history." Zizhi Tongjian encompasses not only the rise and fall of society and politics but also the virtues and vices of individual character.