Zuo Zhuan: Popular Classics Library

Author: Zuo Qiuming (Spring and Autumn Period), edited by Jiang Jicheng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-11-01
Features: This book records some major historical events between the Zhou Dynasty and various vassal states from the first year of Duke Yin of Lu (722 BC) to the twenty-seventh year of Duke Ai 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 contains have become an important part of China's traditional culture. The Zuo Zhuan narrates the history of the Spring and Autumn Period for over 250 years, though only over 80,000 characters long, it is rich in meaning beyond the words, and its content is extremely extensive, making it suitable for reading as both the history of science and technology and the history of military affairs. In the early Spring and Autumn Period, the observation of the winter solstice was often incorrect, but it gradually became more accurate, showing the progressive improvement in observation. At the same time, it also knew about the nineteen-year cycle with seven intercalary months, which was another form of progress. The Zuo Zhuan often cites The Military, an ancient military text. For example, in the twelfth year of Duke Dingxuan, Sun Shuao 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 in its thirteen chapters may be a summary of military texts from the Spring and Autumn Period. Precisely because the Zuo Zhuan holds such great value, it is highly meaningful for Yue Lu Publishing House to include it in the Classical Masterpieces Popular Library.