S

Sima Qian Books

1 book·~10 min total read

Sima Qian (c. 145–86 BCE) was a renowned Chinese historian and writer of the Western Han dynasty.

Known for: Records of the Grand Historian (Chinese Edition)

Books by Sima Qian

Records of the Grand Historian (Chinese Edition)

Records of the Grand Historian (Chinese Edition)

chinese_history·10 min read

Records of the Grand Historian is the monumental historical work by Sima Qian, covering approximately three thousand years of Chinese history from the Yellow Emperor to Emperor Wu of Han. Comprising 130 chapters divided into annals, tables, treatises, hereditary houses, and biographies, it provides a comprehensive view of early Chinese civilization, politics, economy, culture, and military affairs. Its narrative style and historical insight have profoundly influenced later historiography and literature.

Read Summary

Key Insights from Sima Qian

1

The Splendor of the Jia Clan

The story opens with the grandeur of the Jia family—two branches, Rong and Ning, representing inherited power and imperial favor. Their gates shine with gold, their halls overflow with feasts, and guests crowd their luscious gardens. Yet from the beginning, the seeds of decline are already sown. Pro...

From Records of the Grand Historian (Chinese Edition)

2

The Child Born with Jade

Baoyu’s birth is wrapped in mystery. The jade he carries bears celestial inscriptions, binding the mortal to the immortal. Yet his spirit, attuned to freedom and emotion, clashes with the rigid expectations of his lineage. Tender, rebellious, and attached to the women’s quarters, he frustrates the e...

From Records of the Grand Historian (Chinese Edition)

About Sima Qian

Sima Qian (c. 145–86 BCE) was a renowned Chinese historian and writer of the Western Han dynasty. Serving as Grand Historian, he was imprisoned and castrated for defending General Li Ling. After his release, he completed the Records of the Grand Historian, establishing the biographical-thematic form...

Read more

Sima Qian (c. 145–86 BCE) was a renowned Chinese historian and writer of the Western Han dynasty. Serving as Grand Historian, he was imprisoned and castrated for defending General Li Ling. After his release, he completed the Records of the Grand Historian, establishing the biographical-thematic format that shaped Chinese historiography for centuries. He is honored as the 'Father of Chinese Historiography.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Sima Qian (c. 145–86 BCE) was a renowned Chinese historian and writer of the Western Han dynasty.

Read Sima Qian's books in 15 minutes

Get AI-powered summaries with key insights from 1 book by Sima Qian.