Shiji · Records of the Grand Historian
A history encompassing rulers, institutions and biographies.
Sima Qian
Chinese historiography
The person behind the ideas
Sima Qian was a Han court historian who continued a project begun by his father, Sima Tan. His Shiji brought together accounts of rulers, institutions and human lives. His Letter to Ren An describes the personal cost and lasting importance of completing it.
Biography sources
Biography reference →At a glance
- Era
- Han dynasty
- Notable works
- Shiji · Records of the Grand Historian · Letter to Ren An
- Tradition
- Chinese historiography
Ideas and outlook
Sima Qian sought to preserve a broad record of human lives and political change. Continuing his father’s historical project gave enduring purpose to work carried out at great personal cost.
About the works
Letter to Ren An
A personal account of suffering and the importance of completing his history.
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Other quotes across journeys
Across China
I have gathered up and brought together the old traditions of the world that were scattered and lost.
Letter to Ren An · excerpt
Visit this journey →Source details
Letter to Ren An · excerpt
An excerpt from a letter explaining the author’s commitment to completing his historical work after punishment. It is a personal defence of that undertaking, not a general slogan about memory.
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