Book Details

A Brief Introduction to Chinese Historiography

A Brief Introduction to Chinese Historiography

Qian Mu / Yuelu Bookstore /November 1, 2023

"The Development of Chinese Historiography" is an important work by Mr. Qian Mu, which deeply explores the ontology of Chinese historiography and the spirit of Chinese history. Mr. Qian Mu emphasized that to study history, one must first have a solid foundation of historical knowledge and have a deep concern for the country and the nation. This book brings together his insightful insights into Chinese historiography, and by combing through the historical context, it reveals the internal logic and development momentum of Chinese history. Mr. Qian Mu's unique views and profound analysis make this book a classic work that explores the origins of Chinese history. For readers who want to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese historiography and history, this book has important reference value and can help readers better understand the evolution of Chinese history and the formation of the national spirit. In short, "The Development of Chinese Historiography" is a rare masterpiece of historiography and is worth reading.


Outline Notes

Book Summary of "The Discovery of Chinese Historiography"Chapter 1: The Origin and Early Development of Chinese Historiography1.1 Background of Origin - Myths and Legends: Ancient Chinese history originated from rich myths and legends, such as the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. - Oracle-bone and Bronze Inscriptions: The oracle-bone and bronze inscriptions of the Shang Dynasty provided a textual basis for the formation of historiography. 1.2 The Development of Early Historiography - The Spring and Autumn Annals: The Spring and Autumn Annals written by Confucius is the first chronological history book in Chinese history, reflecting the educational function of historiography. - The Records of the Grand Historian: Sima Qian&39;s Records of the Grand Historian is the first chronicle-style general history of China, and pioneered the writing mode of the chronicle-style. Chapter 2: The Compilation Style of Chinese Historiography2.1 Chronicle- Features: Recording history in chronological order, represented by the Spring and Autumn Annals. - Development: The Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government is the pinnacle of the chronicle style. 2.2 Biography- Characteristics: historical figures are classified into categories and events are linked to people, such as "Records of the Grand Historian". - Influence: it has become the main format for the compilation of official history in later generations. 2.3 Chronicle- Characteristics: events are the main line, narrating the beginning and the end, starting with "Tongjian Jishibenmo" by Yuan Shu in the Southern Song Dynasty. Chapter 3: The Formation and Development of Chinese Historiography Theory3.1 Historical View- Cyclic Theory and Evolution Theory: there are cyclical historical views and evolutionary historical views in ancient Chinese historiography. - Orthodoxy: historical concepts that emphasize the orthodoxy of dynasties. 3.2 Historiographical Methods- Textual Research: focus on the textual research and collation of historical materials. - Moral History: emphasize that history should have an educational function, as well as the relationship between history and real politics. Chapter 4: Historical Periodization and Dynasty Change in Chinese Historiography4.1 Diversity of Historical Periodization - Three-part and Four-part Method: Historians have different views on the periodization of Chinese history. - The impact of dynasty change on historiography: Each dynasty change will have a significant impact on historiography, and the new dynasty often revises the history of the previous dynasty. 4.2 The concept of Zhengyue and nationalism - The Zhengyue dispute: The discussion about which dynasties are the legitimate lineage in history. - The influence of nationalism: Since modern times, historiography has been influenced by nationalism, and the interpretation of history has also changed. Chapter 5: Modernization and transformation of Chinese historiography5.1 Challenges of traditional historiography - The influence of Western historiography: The introduction of Western historiography concepts in modern times has challenged traditional Chinese historiography. - The impact of the New Culture Movement: The New Culture Movement criticized Chinese traditional culture, including the re-examination of historiography. 5.2 Modernization of historiography - The rise of scientific historiography: It advocates the use of scientific methods to study history. - Introduction of Marxist historiography: The introduction and development of Marxist historiography theory has brought new perspectives to Chinese historiography. --- The above is a brief summary of the book "The Development of Chinese Historiography", which summarizes the main content and viewpoints of each chapter according to the chapter division.


Catchy Sentences

  1. "Selecting wonderful sentences or paragraphs from Mr. Qian Mu's "The Discovery of Chinese Historiography" does not mean just a few fragments." - This sentence profoundly points out the overall and indivisible nature of history, and emphasizes the importance of the overall view in historiography. 2. "If historians do not first understand the entire history of their country and nation, it is difficult to gain insight into its details." - This sentence reminds us that when studying history, the understanding of the details needs to be based on the grasp of the overall situation. 3. "History is not an unchanging fact, but develops with our needs and grows with the times." - Mr. Qian Mu's argument is full of wisdom, explaining the dynamic nature of history and its characteristics of keeping pace with the times. 4. "History is the accumulation of life, alive, not a dead thing." - This sentence uses vivid language to describe the vitality of history, which is in sharp contrast to the common people's view of history as a relic. 5. "The spirit of Chinese historiography is to seek its understanding, not just the accumulation of facts. ” —— This sentence points out the core spirit of Chinese historiography, which is to pursue the coherence and understanding of history. 6. "Studying history means that we need to go from a known world to another unknown world." —— This sentence is full of exploratory spirit, comparing historical research to a journey across time and space. 7. "Reading history makes people wise, not because it can predict the future, but because it can see through things." —— Mr. Qian Mu's words reveal the true meaning of reading history, which is to enhance wisdom and insight. 8. "History is the memory of mankind, and memory is selective, so history is also selective." —— This theory has a unique perspective and points out the inevitable selectivity in the process of historical compilation. 9. "To study the history of a country, we must not only know what happened, but also why it happened. This is the so-called depth of history." —— This sentence emphasizes the depth and comprehensiveness of historical research. 10. "Chinese history is long and broad. Without profound cultural literacy, we cannot explore its pearls. ” —— This sentence praises the profound heritage of Chinese history, and at the same time reminds researchers to have corresponding cultural literacy. 11. "The truth of history is not only the truth of facts, but also the truth of meaning." —— This sentence creatively puts forward the two meanings of historical truth: facts and meaning. 12. "History is a bridge between the past and the present, and we understand ourselves through it." —— This sentence describes the function of history in beautiful language, that is, connecting the past and the present to help self-understanding. 13. "Reading history is like reading the whole book of the world. The coming of one thing is the result of the previous thing and the cause of the next thing." —— This sentence reveals the cause and effect relationship and continuity between historical events. 14. "Those who study history must be in awe, because what we touch is the life and wisdom of countless ancestors." —— This sentence is full of respect and awe for history. 15. "History is a big script with many characters and complex clues, but it always has its own internal logic and laws. ” —— This sentence uses a vivid metaphor to depict the complexity and regularity of history. 16. "Reading Chinese history is like reading a great article in the world, which is magnificent and full of twists and turns." —— This sentence praises the richness and fascinatingness of Chinese history. 17. "History is not only a treasure house of knowledge, but also a source of wisdom." —— This sentence emphasizes the important role of history in the inheritance of wisdom. 18. "Historologists should be like old officials who judge cases, with a careful mind and a keen eye." —— This sentence uses the metaphor of old officials judging cases to describe the meticulousness and sharpness that historical researchers should have. 19. "History is a mirror, from which we can see the light and darkness of human nature." —— This sentence points out the role of history in reflecting human nature. 20. "The uniqueness of Chinese historiography lies in its emphasis on both facts and meaning, and its pursuit of both truth and beauty." —— This sentence summarizes the uniqueness of Chinese historiography, that is, the emphasis on both facts and meaning.


Author Introduction

Qian Mu (July 30, 1895 - August 30, 1990), formerly known as Qian Muzhi, with the courtesy name Muzhi and the pseudonym Meng'an, was born in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province.< He is a famous modern Chinese historian, educator, and philosopher, and is known as the "master of history".

His academic achievements and the inheritance and development of Chinese traditional culture have made him enjoy a very high reputation in the Chinese and even world historical circles.<

Personal basic information Qian Mu was born in a scholarly family in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, and received a good family education since childhood.

He experienced three periods in his life, namely the late Qing Dynasty, the Republic of China, and the New China, and witnessed the great changes in China from feudal society to modern society.<

Education and professional background Qian Mu received education in a private school in his hometown in his early years, and later was admitted to the History Department of Peking University, where he studied under Liang Qichao, Chen Yinke and other historians.

After graduation, he taught at Peking University, Tsinghua University, Southwest Associated University and other universities, and trained a large number of outstanding historians.<

Writing career Qian Mu's writing career began in the 1920s.

His first book, "The Development of Chinese Historiography", was published in 1929.< The book systematically expounds the development process and characteristics of Chinese historiography and is hailed as the foundation of Chinese historiography research.

Since then, Qian Mu has successively published many important works such as "Outline of National History", "General History of China", and "Chinese Historical Research Method", which have had a profound impact on the development of Chinese historiography.<

Style and theme of works Qian Mu's historical works are known for their rigorous academic attitude, profound cultural heritage and unique perspective.

He advocates "history carries the truth" and emphasizes that historical research should serve the development of the country and the nation.< His works cover all aspects of Chinese history, from politics, economy, culture to social life, with in-depth research and unique insights.

Personal life Qian Mu's personal life is relatively low-key.

< He has devoted his life to academic research and education and rarely participated in political activities.

His family life is also relatively simple.< He and his wife have been together through the ups and downs of their lives.

Social influence Qian Mu's academic achievements and social influence cannot be underestimated.

< His works have not only had a profound impact on the Chinese historical community, but also received great attention from the international academic community.

His students and followers are all over the world, and many of them have become important figures in the Chinese and even world historical community.<

Quotations and evaluations Qian Mu's academic achievements have been widely recognized and praised.

The famous historian Chen Yinke once evaluated him as a "master of historical studies" and believed that his works were "profound and profound, and pioneered a new trend.< " The People's Daily also published an article praising Qian Mu as "the founder of Chinese historiography.

" ### Latest News Although Qian Mu has passed away for many years, his academic legacy is still being studied and passed on.< In recent years, with the revival of Chinese traditional culture, Qian Mu's works and thoughts have once again received widespread attention.

Many scholars and research institutions are committed to exploring and studying Qian Mu's academic achievements in order to provide more inspiration and reference for the development of Chinese historiography.< Qian Mu's life was a life of unremitting pursuit and exploration of Chinese historiography.

His academic achievements and personal charm will always inspire those who come after him to move forward.


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