Zizhi Tongjian (Volume 5) - Turmoil and Flames: Baimyang's Plain Language Version

Author: Sima Guang (Song Dynasty) wrote, Bao Yang translated
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Zizhi Tongjian encompasses a microcosm of Chinese culture, politics, economy, and character traits over 1,362 years, serving as a monumental work that allows readers to understand the dynamics of Chinese political operations and power games. It is also a must-read history book for ancient emperors to learn from past events and govern wisely. Bao Yang spent ten years translating it into modern language, personally redrawing historical maps, and infusing his own historical perspectives while discussing the causes of historical successes and failures. The newly published Bao Yang's Colloquial Zizhi Tongjian is divided into 9 volumes, with 1-2 volumes released each month. Bao Yang's profound command of the Chinese language has made this translation both accessible and highly acclaimed. A major feature of this edition is that Bao Yang translated ancient obscure technical terms, official titles, place names, astronomical terms, and other concepts into "modern language." The book not only retains the original historical commentary but also incorporates the research findings of later scholars. More importantly, the author often uses the phrase "Bao Yang says" in the style of Sima Qian's "Sima Qian says" to add his unique insights and perspectives on significant events, summarizing and evaluating them with vivid and humorous language. This is also the most valuable and brilliant part of the book.