Records of the Grand Historian: Han Dynasty, Volume 2

By Sima Qian

Book Overview

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.:

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231081677
• ISBN13: 9780231081672
• Release Date: April 1993
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 505 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 22 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The real thing

Good, readable translation of the authentic source material on ancient China. Nearly complete text (skips a few boring parts). It's worth it for Sima Qian (aka Ssu'ma Chien)'s story alone: imperial historian who offends the emperor but chooses not to do the honorable thing (aka commit suicide) so he can finish his book. That's perserverance.