Veritable Records of Emperor Dezong of the Qing: Guangxu

The Veritable Records of Emperor Jing of the Qing Dynasty comprises 595 volumes and was compiled by Chen Baochen, Shixu, and others. It is included in the Veritable Records of the Qing Dynasty published by Zhonghua Book Company in 1986–1987. Qing veritable records are chronological histories based on various archives from the Grand Secretariat and the Imperial Historical Archives, as well as regulations, official reports, and memorials from government offices. Especially important are the emperors' collected writings and handwritten works. Although the number of volumes varies, all Qing veritable records follow the same format and cover the same main categories. Chen Baochen, who led the compilation of the Veritable Records of Emperor Dezong, had served as a Grand Secretariat academician and vice minister of rites. He later became Puyi's tutor and served as an adviser to the Imperial Household Council. Of the twelve Qing reigns whose veritable records have been completed, the record of Emperor Dezong's reign is the largest, comprising 597 volumes. It was completed in 1927, after the fall of the Qing dynasty. Volumes 437 through 492, a total of 57 volumes, document important political, economic, cultural, foreign-relations, and social developments during 1899 (the twenty-fifth year of the Guangxu reign), 1900 (the twenty-sixth year), and 1901 (the twenty-seventh year). The Boxer Rebellion is covered in particular detail.