Records of the Grand Historian: Han Dynasty II

Records of the Grand Historian

by Sima Qian, Burton Watson (Translator)

This second volume of the history of the Han dynasty consists of chapters dealing principally with the reign of Emperor Wu, one of the most energetic and strong-willed of China's Rulers. Here the historian is chronicling events he has witnessed and writing of the men he personally knows or has known. In Nagano Hozan's (1783-1837) words, "He makes us see in our minds the character of the men of the time, and this is why he is a great historian."

Genres: History, China, Classics, Nonfiction, Chinese Literature, Historical

505 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 95

About the author

Sima Qian (Szu-ma Chien; 司馬遷 c. 145 or 135 BC – 86 BC) was a Chinese historian of the Han dynasty. He is considered the father of Chinese historiography for his work, the Records of the Grand Historian, a Jizhuanti-style (纪传体) general history of China, covering more than two thousand years from the Yellow Emperor to his time, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. Although he worked as the Court Astrologer (Chinese: 太史令; Tàishǐ Lìng), later generations refer to him as the Grand Historian (Chinese: 太史公; taishigong or tai-shih-kung) for his monumental work. (Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sima Qian was an excellent historian with a modern methodology, but in this book you get to see his best product: a damning portrait of Emperor Wu and a breathtaking take-down of all of the emperor's lifework. Through Sima Qian's subtle criticism you get a full picture of China's complexity at the dawn of the Han.

[Aje · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels bizarre to give this book a star rating, like grading the Pyramids, so just going with the full 5. Great work Mr. Sima

[Erik Champenois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite division of the three books I've read covering parts of Sima Qian. I particularly enjoyed the chapters covering the Xiongnu and other "barbarian" people including the Yue, Yuezhi, and Ferghana. It is clear from these chapters that the Xiongnu were formidable opponents that the Han were often forced to treat as equals in both times of peace and war. It was exciting to learn more about the dynamics of the Xiongnu and of the military and political leaders involved in the conflicts, as well as the dynamics surrounding revolts among the Yue. The chapters covered here, more than what I've previously read from Sima Qian, really show how Han China was enmeshed in a wider geopolitical setting - and that the dynasty's fate was very much intertwined with the ongoings of peoples outside of, as well as along the margins of, the empire.

Highly recommended reading for anyone with an interest in ancient China. If you have to read just one volume excerpting Sima Qian, read this one.

[Ars Nova · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly drier than the first volume, Han Dynasty II moves from personal interactions of the state to internal affairs within the state. There are still the biographies characteristic of Sima Qian, but I found some of them to be repetitive with little context as to why they were important, other than being a general or statesman etc.

[Matthew Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note that this is the third of the three-book series. The title is a little misleading.

[Stezsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What did you do to Sang Hongyang? Raaaawwwrrrrrr
*gigit mbah Sima*

I think this is a cool Rashomon style story. Oops. History. Instantly fell in love with many characters here and carve for MOREE
I'll buy more translation if I get enough money yeah.

Still wonder why Sima Qian liked Li Guang so much. Bu Shi is cool, Ji An is cute. But Li Guang..???

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the world's great historians. Sima Chien literally gave up his balls to write the history of the Han Dynasty.

[Michael Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with so much interesting stories!