The Grand Scribe's Records, Volume IX: The Memoirs of Han China, Part II

A remarkable document of ancient Chinese history: “[An] indispensable addition to modern sinology.” —China Review InternationalThis volume of The Grand Scribe's Records includes the second segment of Han-dynasty memoirs and deals primarily with men who lived and served under Emperor Wu (r. 141–87 B.C.). The lead chapter presents a parallel biography of two ancient physicians, Pien Ch'üeh and Ts'ang Kung, providing a transition between the founding of the Han dynasty and its heyday under Wu. The account of Liu P'i is framed by the great rebellion he led in 154 B.C. and the remaining chapters trace the careers of court favorites, depict the tribulations of an ill-fated general, discuss the Han's greatest enemy, the Hsiung-nu, and provide accounts of two great generals who fought them. The final memoir is structured around memorials by two strategists who attempted to lead Emperor Wu into negotiations with the Hsiung-nu, a policy that Ssu-ma Ch'ien himself supported. Cover Contents Acknowledgments Introduction: Herodotus and Ssu-ma Ch’ien: A Preliminary Study of Styles and Sources in Their Early Chapters On Using This Book Weights and Measures (Lu Zongli) List of Abbreviations Memoir 45 Memoir 46 Memoir 47 Memoir 48 Memoir 49 Memoir 50 Memoir 51 Memoir 52 Frequently Mentioned Commentators Biographical Sketches of Shih chi Scholars 401(Ho Tz’u-chün and Sung Yün-pin) Selected Recent Works on the Shih chi Index Annotation The 'Shi Chih' - or the 'Grand Scribe's Records' - is one of the most important historical works of ancient China. In this volume, the reader is introduced to the major supporters and rivals of the founders of the Han Dynasty - the generals, advisors, strategists and ministers who helped shape the foundations "This project will result in the first complete translation of the Shih chi (The Grand Scribe s Records), one of the most important narratives in traditional China. Ssu-ma Ch ien (145-c.86 B.C.), who compiled the work, is known as the Herodotus of China"--Publisher