1, choose one, read the table of contents first, and read extensively;
2. Historical Records is the first biographical general history in the history of China, formerly known as Taishi Gongshu, or Taishi GongGong Ji and Taishi Gongji. The author is Sima Qian of the Western Han Dynasty. Sima Qian, a long character, and his father Sima Tan were appointed as Taishiling. His wish to write a general history of ancient and modern times was not realized, and Sima Qian was asked to fulfill his long-cherished wish before he died. Later, Sima Qian's stepfather Taishiling began to write historical records, which took more than ten years to complete. Historical Records is the first general history of China in ancient times, which is not only large in scale and complete in system, but also has a far-reaching influence on biographical history books. The official history of all dynasties was written in this genre. At the same time, the vividness of words and narration in the book is also the highest achievement. Mr. Lu Xun praised Historical Records as "the swan song of historians, and Li Sao has no rhyme" in the book Outline of China Literature History.
3. Zi Tong Zhi Jian (often referred to as Tong Jian) is a multi-volume chronological history book edited by Sima Guang in the Northern Song Dynasty, with 294 volumes, which took 19 years to complete. Mainly based on time and events, it began in the 23rd year of Zhou Weilie (403 BC) and ended in the 6th year of Xiande, Zhou Shizong after the Five Dynasties (959 AD), covering the history of 16 dynasties and 1362 years.
In this book, the editor summed up many experiences and lessons for the rulers to learn from. Song Shenzong thinks that this book is "in view of the past, it has the resources for governance", that is, to strengthen the rule by taking historical gains and losses as a warning, so it is named "Managing with Capital". Zitongzhijian has 294 volumes, about 3 million words, and Kaoyi and Catalogue have 30 volumes.
Zi Tong Zhi Jian is China's first chronological general history, which occupies a very important position in China's official history works. [ 1]