Zuo Zhuan

Author: Zuo Qiu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: This book records some major historical events between the Zhou Dynasty and the various vassal states from the first year of the Hidden Duke of Lu (722 BC) to the twenty-seventh year of the of Lu (468 BC), covering a total of 255 years. The work reflects the actual conditions of the time with a certain progressive significance, and many of the historical records it documents have become an important part of traditional Chinese culture. The Zuo Zhuan narrates the history of the Spring and Autumn period for over 250 years, though only over 80,000 characters in length, it is incredibly rich in content, and can also be read as a history of science and military affairs. In the early Spring and Autumn period, measurements of the winter solstice were often incorrect, but they gradually improved, showing the progress in observation. At the same time, knowledge of the 19-year, 7-leap-month cycle was also a form of progress. The Zuo Zhuan frequently cites the Military, an ancient military text. For example, in the twelfth year of Duke Dingxuan, Sun Shaoao quoted the Military saying, "The first to seize the heart of the enemy will win," and thus launched an offensive, leading to a decisive victory over the Jin army. The Art of War, with its thirteen chapters, may be seen as a summary of military texts from the Spring and Autumn period. Precisely because of its immense value, Yue Lu Press included it in the Classical Masterpieces Popular Library, which is indeed a meaningful endeavor.