The Old Book of Tang: Classic Edition

The Old Book of Tang is the earliest surviving systematic record of Tang dynasty history in the biographical-annalistic format. It comprises two hundred volumes: twenty volumes of imperial annals, thirty volumes of treatises, and one hundred and fifty volumes of biographies. Compiled under the supervision of Chancellor Zhao Ying at the command of the Later Jin court during the Five Dynasties period, it was ultimately presented by Chancellor Liu Xu and is counted among the Twenty-Four Histories.

The Old Book of Tang recounts historical events in considerable detail and preserves a wealth of source material, which earned it the attention of later generations. The imperial annals from the reign of Emperor Muzong onward are somewhat disorganized, but they also preserve many valuable historical records. For example, the Pang Xun Rebellion and Huang Chao Rebellion are covered in considerable detail in the annals of Emperors Yizong and Xizong. These accounts are especially precious because Pang Xun has no biography and Huang Chao's biography is brief. The annals of Emperors Zhaozong and Aidi describe the warlords' arrogance and defiance in considerable detail, reflecting specific aspects of the Tang dynasty's final days. The book also includes many historically valuable works that hold an important place in the history of Chinese thought.