The Truth of History: Zhao Yi Reads the Twenty-Two Histories

Zhao Yi completed Notes on the Twenty-Two Histories in 1795, the sixtieth year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing dynasty. The book consists of 36 volumes, plus one volume of supplements. It examines the twenty-four official histories recognized by the Chinese government, weighs their merits and faults, and presents nearly 600 notes. Yet the book is not devoted solely to textual research; it also offers commentary, making it a work that encompasses historical methods, events, and theory. It has been valued by historians since its publication and is considered an introductory work for studying the official histories.