History of the Pre-Qin Era

History of the Pre-Qin Period is the first of the four dynastic histories written by Mr. Lü Simian. Written in the mid-1930s and first published in 1941, it has since been reprinted many times and is a classic of modern and contemporary scholarship on pre-Qin history. The book is divided into two parts. The first half covers political history, arranged in chronological order by historical event. Clear, concise, and flowing seamlessly from beginning to end, it gives readers a lucid picture of the development of Chinese history in the pre-Qin period. The second half covers cultural history, organized by subject. By tracing the historical development of pre-Qin society, the economy, political institutions, culture, and scholarship, it seeks to uncover the patterns of Chinese historical development and their relevance to the present. Its research is thorough, and its arguments are original. Mr. Lü’s approach to Chinese history is distinctive, and his insights are original. His discussion of pre-Qin society and politics is especially incisive and profound. This edition draws on the editorial work of multiple editions. It corrects errors in the original and revises passages that were inadequately edited in other editions. Mr. Lü’s historical accounts are solid and precise. He clearly explains the course of events, their causes, and their consequences, offering original and incisive insights. This is a classic work in the history of modern Chinese scholarship.