What is the primary subject and nature of the *New Book of Tang*?

The *New Book of Tang* is an official historical work that chronicles the Tang dynasty. It is generally referred to as the 'New History of the Tang' or 'New Tang History' and serves as a comprehensive record of that period in Chinese history.

How many volumes and chapters comprise the *New Book of Tang*?

The *New Book of Tang* is structured into ten volumes and contains a total of 225 chapters, providing an extensive account of the Tang dynasty.

Who were the principal compilers responsible for the creation of the *New Book of Tang*?

The *New Book of Tang* was compiled by a team of scholars during the Song dynasty, with the project being led by prominent figures Ouyang Xiu and Song Qi.

What was the original name of the *New Book of Tang* before the 18th century?

Prior to the 18th century, the *New Book of Tang* was simply known as the *Tangshu*, which translates to 'Book of Tang'.

What historical practice in China motivated the compilation of dynastic histories like the *New Book of Tang*?

In Chinese history, it was a customary practice for new dynasties to compile histories of their immediate predecessors. This tradition served as a means to solidify the legitimacy of the current ruling dynasty by documenting the past.

Which earlier historical work covered the Tang dynasty before the *New Book of Tang* was compiled?

Before the *New Book of Tang*, a history of the Tang dynasty, known as the *Old Book of Tang*, had already been compiled during the Later Jin dynasty of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

What specific reasons led Emperor Renzong of Song to commission a new compilation of Tang history?

Emperor Renzong of Song ordered a new compilation of Tang history in 1044 because he believed that the existing *Old Book of Tang* lacked adequate organization and clarity, indicating a desire for a more refined and structured historical record.

How long did the compilation process for the *New Book of Tang* take?

The compilation of the *New Book of Tang* was a lengthy undertaking, requiring 17 years to complete, from its initiation in 1044 until its finalization in 1060.

How did the *New Book of Tang* fundamentally differ from the *Old Book of Tang* in terms of organization and content?

The *New Book of Tang* significantly diverged from its predecessor in both organization and content, largely influenced by the literary and philosophical perspectives of its chief compilers. It aimed for a more rational and practical approach to history.

What principle did Ouyang Xiu frequently apply when evaluating historical accounts for the *New Book of Tang*?

Ouyang Xiu, a chief compiler, frequently applied the principle of reason when assessing historical accounts. This approach guided the selection and presentation of information, emphasizing logical coherence and factual basis.

What type of content did Ouyang Xiu remove from the *New Book of Tang* during its compilation?

Ouyang Xiu systematically purged all accounts that contained elements of myth or superstition from the *New Book of Tang*. This editorial decision aimed to present a more rational and less embellished historical narrative.

What was the consequence of Ouyang Xiu's approach to historical accounts on the biographies within the *New Book of Tang*?

As a direct consequence of Ouyang Xiu's rational approach, many biographies of emperors and other major figures in the *New Book of Tang* were dramatically shortened, as mythical or superstitious elements were removed.

What new sections of practical interest were included in the *New Book of Tang* that were missing from the *Old Book of Tang*?

The *New Book of Tang* introduced several new sections of practical interest, including an expanded series of Treatises covering topics like the horse trade with Tibet and military affairs, and a detailed table of the bureaucratic hierarchy of the Tang administration, which was absent in the *Old Book of Tang*.

What feature was revived in the *New Book of Tang* to provide annalistic records of events and successions?

The *New Book of Tang* revived the use of 'tables,' which were annalistic tables designed to record events and successions. These tables included not only emperors but also chancellors and jiedushi, providing a broader view of political power.

How did the prose style of the *New Book of Tang* differ from that found in official Tang documents?

The prose style of the *New Book of Tang* was distinct because its compilers, Ouyang Xiu and Song Qi, admired the simplified, 'ancient' prose style of Tang scholars like Han Yu, rather than the more ornate and flowery style prevalent in official Tang documents.

What were the negative consequences of the compilers' efforts to change the prose style in the *New Book of Tang*?

In their attempt to adopt a more 'ancient' prose style, the compilers changed the original wordings of quoted Tang documents. This resulted in the loss of direct use of Tang court records, some reduced passages becoming unclear, and the introduction of many errors as they sought to rephrase the originals with 'ancient' words.

Which volumes of the *New Book of Tang* contain the annals of the Tang emperors?

The annals, which chronicle the reigns of the Tang emperors, are covered in volumes 1 through 10 of the *New Book of Tang*.

How do the annals in the *New Book of Tang* compare in length to those in the *Old Book of Tang*?

Wilkinson notes that the annals presented in the *New Book of Tang* are considerably shorter than those found in the *Old Book of Tang*, reflecting the compilers' editorial choices to remove certain content.

Which volumes are dedicated to the treatises in the *New Book of Tang*?

The treatises, which cover various specialized topics, are contained within volumes 11 through 60 of the *New Book of Tang*.

What is the largest section within the treatises of the *New Book of Tang*?

The section on Rites and Music (禮樂) is the most extensive within the treatises, occupying 12 volumes, specifically from volume 11 to 22.

What important aspect of Tang administration was described in the treatise on selecting and appointing officials?

The treatise on selecting and appointing officials included a description of the examination system, which had grown in importance as a method for recruiting officials in the Tang dynasty, particularly after the year 780.

Which volumes of the *New Book of Tang* are dedicated to the tables?

The tables, which provide annalistic records and successions, are found in volumes 61 through 75 of the *New Book of Tang*.

How many biographies of women were newly included in the *New Book of Tang* that were absent from the *Old Book of Tang*?

The *New Book of Tang* introduced four new biographies of women that were not present in the *Old Book of Tang*, adding new perspectives on female figures of the era.

What was the intended purpose of including biographies of women who engaged in extreme self-harm in the *New Book of Tang*?

These biographies of women, who killed or maimed themselves in horrific ways, were intended to serve as cautionary examples for contemporary readers. They represented extreme behaviors of Tang dynasty women, meant to deter similar actions and reinforce societal norms.

Can you provide an example of the extreme behavior depicted in the new female biographies?

One example cited is Woman Lu, who gouged out her own eye. This act was performed to assure her ailing husband that she would not take a second man after his death, illustrating an extreme display of loyalty.

Were there also biographies of men included in the *New Book of Tang* that highlighted virtuous behavior?

Yes, the *New Book of Tang* also included biographies of 35 men who were depicted as overly filial and fraternal, showcasing virtues like devotion to parents and siblings, though their actions did not involve the self-mutilation seen in the female biographies.

What is the image caption associated with the Southern Song edition of the *Book of Tang*?

The source material references a Southern Song edition of the *Book of Tang* that was edited and annotated by Chen Jian (陳鍵), indicating the ongoing scholarly engagement with this historical text.

Who authored the *Shiji*, one of the works listed under the 'Twenty-Four Histories'?

According to the list of 'Twenty-Four Histories', the *Shiji* was authored by Sima Qian, a foundational historian in Chinese historiography.

Who is credited with writing the *Book of Han*?

The *Book of Han*, another work in the 'Twenty-Four Histories', is attributed to Ban Gu, a prominent historian and poet of the Eastern Han dynasty.

Who compiled the *Book of the Later Han*?

Fan Ye is listed as the compiler of the *Book of the Later Han*, which covers the history of the Eastern Han dynasty.

Who was the author of the *Records of the Three Kingdoms*?

The *Records of the Three Kingdoms*, a historical text documenting the Three Kingdoms period, was written by Chen Shou.

Who were the primary compilers of the *Book of Jin*?

The *Book of Jin* was compiled by Fang Xuanling and others, indicating a collaborative effort in its creation.

Who is recognized as the author of the *Book of Song*?

The *Book of Song*, which details the history of the Liu Song dynasty, was written by Shen Yue.

Who authored the *Book of Qi*?

Xiao Zixian is credited with the authorship of the *Book of Qi*, a historical record of the Southern Qi dynasty.

Who compiled both the *Book of Liang* and the *Book of Chen*?

Yao Silian is noted as the compiler for both the *Book of Liang* and the *Book of Chen*, covering two distinct Southern Dynasties.

Who wrote the *Book of Wei*?

The *Book of Wei*, a historical account of the Northern Wei dynasty, was written by Wei Shou.

Who is the author of the *Book of Northern Qi*?

Li Baiyao is identified as the author of the *Book of Northern Qi*, which chronicles the Northern Qi dynasty.

Who were the compilers of the *Book of Zhou*?

The *Book of Zhou* was compiled by Linghu Defen and others, indicating a team effort in its production.

Who were the primary compilers of the *Book of Sui*?

Wei Zheng and others are listed as the compilers of the *Book of Sui*, which covers the history of the Sui dynasty.

Who authored both the *History of the Southern Dynasties* and the *History of the Northern Dynasties*?

Li Yanshou is credited with authoring both the *History of the Southern Dynasties* and the *History of the Northern Dynasties*, providing a comprehensive overview of these periods.

Who were the compilers of the *Old Book of Tang*?

The *Old Book of Tang* was compiled by Liu Xu and others, serving as the initial official history of the Tang dynasty.

Who were the primary compilers of the *Old History of the Five Dynasties*?

The *Old History of the Five Dynasties* was compiled by Xue Juzheng and others, documenting the tumultuous Five Dynasties period.

Which historical work among the 'Twenty-Four Histories' was also authored by Ouyang Xiu?

In addition to the *New Book of Tang*, Ouyang Xiu also authored the *Historical Records of the Five Dynasties*, demonstrating his significant contributions to Chinese historiography.

Who were the compilers of the *History of Song*, *History of Liao*, and *History of Jin*?

Toqto'a and others were responsible for compiling the *History of Song*, *History of Liao*, and *History of Jin*, which cover the Song, Liao, and Jin dynasties respectively.

Who compiled the *History of Yuan*?

The *History of Yuan*, which details the Yuan dynasty, was compiled by Song Lian and others.

Who were the compilers of the *History of Ming*?

The *History of Ming*, the official history of the Ming dynasty, was compiled by Zhang Tingyu and others.

What other works by Ouyang Xiu are mentioned in the provided text?

Besides the *New Book of Tang* and *Historical Records of the Five Dynasties*, Ouyang Xiu is also associated with 'Zuiwengting Ji', a notable literary work.

What group is Ouyang Xiu related to, as mentioned in the 'Related' section?

Ouyang Xiu is related to the 'Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song', a distinguished group of literary figures known for their mastery of classical Chinese prose.

New Book Of Tang Wiki: Imperial Chronicles: The New Book of Tang Unveiled

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Overview

A Definitive Historical Record

The New Book of Tang, often referred to as the "New History of the Tang" or "New Tang History," stands as a monumental work of official history. Comprising ten volumes and 225 chapters, it meticulously chronicles the entirety of the Tang dynasty. This comprehensive historical text was a collaborative effort by a distinguished team of scholars during the Song dynasty, prominently led by Ouyang Xiu and Song Qi.

Re-evaluating a Predecessor

Initially, this work was simply known as the Tangshu (Book of Tang). However, its distinctiveness and the existence of an earlier historical account, the Old Book of Tang, led to its eventual renaming in the 18th century to differentiate it. This re-evaluation was not merely an update but a profound reinterpretation, reflecting the Song dynasty's scholarly and philosophical perspectives on its imperial predecessor.

Context of Imperial Historiography

The compilation of official histories for preceding dynasties was a deeply ingrained custom in Chinese imperial tradition. This practice served a dual purpose: to preserve the historical record and, crucially, to legitimize the ruling dynasty by demonstrating its continuity and succession from previous regimes. The New Book of Tang thus fits within a long-standing tradition of state-sponsored historical scholarship, aiming to provide a definitive narrative of the Tang era for future generations.

Historical Genesis

The Imperial Mandate

The impetus for the New Book of Tang originated in 1044, when Emperor Renzong of Song issued an imperial decree for a fresh compilation of Tang history. This decision was not made lightly, as a history of the Tang dynasty, the Old Book of Tang, had already been completed during the Later Jin dynasty, a period within the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era.

Critique of the Predecessor

Emperor Renzong's directive stemmed from a critical assessment of the existing Old Book of Tang. His belief was that the original work suffered from significant organizational deficiencies and a lack of clarity in its presentation. This perceived inadequacy prompted the need for a more refined and systematically structured historical account that would better serve the Song dynasty's scholarly and political objectives.

A Seventeen-Year Endeavor

The monumental task of compiling the new history was a protracted undertaking, spanning a period of 17 years. This extensive duration underscores the meticulous effort and scholarly rigor invested by the compilation team. The project finally reached its completion in 1060, marking the birth of a new standard for Tang historiography that would influence subsequent generations of scholars.

Structural Innovations

Philosophical Foundations

The New Book of Tang diverged significantly from its predecessor in both its organizational framework and its content. This was largely a reflection of the chief compilers' literary and philosophical inclinations. Ouyang Xiu, a leading figure in the compilation, rigorously applied the principle of reason in his evaluation of historical narratives. This approach led to a deliberate purging of accounts that contained elements of myth or superstition, aiming for a more rational and verifiable historical record.

Ouyang Xiu's rationalist approach had a direct consequence on the biographical sections of the work. Many biographies of emperors and other prominent figures were dramatically shortened, stripped of embellishments and supernatural anecdotes that were common in earlier historical writings. This editorial decision aimed to present a more concise and fact-based narrative, aligning with the compilers' scholarly ideals.

Enhanced Practical Sections

In a move to provide greater practical utility, the New Book of Tang introduced several expanded sections that were of particular relevance to understanding Tang history. These included a significantly enlarged series of Treatises (zhi), which delved into diverse topics such as the intricate horse trade with Tibet and detailed military affairs. Crucially, it also featured a comprehensive table outlining the bureaucratic hierarchy of the Tang administration, a vital component that had been conspicuously absent from the Old Book of Tang.

Revival of Annalistic Tables

Another notable innovation was the revival of "tables" (biao). These were annalistic tables designed to present a clear, chronological sequence of events and successions. Unlike earlier formats, these tables were not limited to the emperors alone but also encompassed key figures such as chancellors and jiedushi (military governors). This provided a more holistic and accessible overview of the political and administrative landscape of the Tang dynasty.

Key Divisions

Annals: Imperial Records

The first major section of the New Book of Tang, spanning volumes 1 through 10, is dedicated to the annals of the Tang emperors. These imperial records provide a chronological account of the reigns, significant events, and decrees of each emperor. Notably, the annals in the New Book of Tang are considerably more concise compared to those found in the Old Book of Tang, reflecting the compilers' preference for brevity and focus on essential facts.

Treatises: Specialized Studies

Volumes 11 through 60 are devoted to the Treatises (zhi), a section that was substantially expanded and enriched in the new compilation. This section covers a wide array of specialized topics crucial for understanding the Tang state and society. The largest among these is the section on Rites and Music (Li Yue), which alone occupies 12 volumes (11-22). Furthermore, the New Book of Tang pioneered the inclusion of a treatise specifically on selecting and appointing officials (Xuanju zhi), providing invaluable insight into the examination system that gained increasing importance in Tang bureaucracy, particularly after 780 CE.

Tables: Chronological Frameworks

The Tables (biao), found in volumes 61 through 75, offer a structured, annalistic presentation of events and successions. These tables are designed to provide a clear and organized overview of the dynastic period, including not only the reigns of the emperors but also the tenures of chancellors and regional military governors (jiedushi). This format allowed for a quick reference and a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape and key figures throughout the Tang era.

Authorship & Style

The 'Ancient Prose' Movement

The stylistic choices made by the chief compilers, Ouyang Xiu and Song Qi, significantly shaped the prose of the New Book of Tang. Both scholars were ardent admirers of the simplified, 'ancient prose' (guwen) style championed by Tang scholars such as Han Yu. This preference stood in stark contrast to the more ornate and flowery prose commonly found in official Tang documents. Their commitment to this aesthetic aimed to imbue the historical narrative with a sense of classical elegance and directness.

Consequences of Stylistic Revision

While the adoption of the 'ancient prose' style aimed for clarity and classical appeal, it also led to certain compromises. The compilers frequently altered the original wordings of the documents they quoted within the book to conform to their preferred style. This revisionist approach, however, resulted in the loss of the direct, unadulterated use of original Tang court records. Furthermore, some passages became unclear due to excessive reduction, and in the effort to find more 'ancient' vocabulary, a number of errors were inadvertently introduced when rephrasing the Tang originals.

Biographies of Moral Exemplars

The biographical sections of the New Book of Tang also served a didactic purpose, particularly concerning moral conduct. Four biographies of women were included that were absent from the Old Book of Tang. These narratives often depicted women engaging in extreme acts of self-mutilation or sacrifice, such as Woman Lu gouging out her own eye to assure her ailing husband of her unwavering fidelity. These accounts were intended to serve as stark examples, deterring contemporary readers from similar extreme behaviors. Similarly, 35 biographies of overly filial and fraternal men were included, though their actions did not typically involve the same level of physical extremity as those of the women.

Enduring Legacy

A Cornerstone of Chinese Historiography

The New Book of Tang, despite its stylistic alterations and occasional inaccuracies, remains a critical component of the Twenty-Four Histories, the canonical collection of Chinese official historical works. Its comprehensive scope and innovative structural elements, such as the expanded treatises and detailed tables, provided a new model for historical compilation. It offered a fresh perspective on the Tang dynasty, shaped by the intellectual currents of the Song era.

Influence on Later Scholarship

The work's emphasis on rational inquiry and its refined prose style significantly influenced subsequent generations of historians and literati. While modern scholars may critique its departures from original source material, its ambition to present a more coherent and philosophically informed history of the Tang dynasty solidified its place as a foundational text for understanding one of China's most glorious imperial periods. It continues to be studied for its content, its historiographical methods, and its reflection of Song intellectual thought.

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References

From a description by Wang Yingling, in his Yuhai (çæµ·)

A full list of references for this article are available at the New Book of Tang Wikipedia page

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Imperial Chronicles: The New Book of Tang Unveiled

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📚 A Definitive Historical Record

🔄 Re-evaluating a Predecessor

🏛️ Context of Imperial Historiography

Historical Genesis 📜

👑 The Imperial Mandate

🔍 Critique of the Predecessor

⏳ A Seventeen-Year Endeavor

Structural Innovations 📝

🧠 Philosophical Foundations

📊 Enhanced Practical Sections

🗓️ Revival of Annalistic Tables

Key Divisions 🗂️

👑 Annals: Imperial Records

🏛️ Treatises: Specialized Studies

📅 Tables: Chronological Frameworks

Authorship & Style ✍️

🖋️ The 'Ancient Prose' Movement

⚠️ Consequences of Stylistic Revision

👩‍⚖️ Biographies of Moral Exemplars

Enduring Legacy 🌟

📚 A Cornerstone of Chinese Historiography

🎓 Influence on Later Scholarship

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

A Definitive Historical Record

Re-evaluating a Predecessor

Context of Imperial Historiography

Historical Genesis

The Imperial Mandate

Critique of the Predecessor

A Seventeen-Year Endeavor

Structural Innovations

Philosophical Foundations

Enhanced Practical Sections

Revival of Annalistic Tables

Key Divisions

Annals: Imperial Records

Treatises: Specialized Studies

Tables: Chronological Frameworks

Authorship & Style

The 'Ancient Prose' Movement

Consequences of Stylistic Revision

Biographies of Moral Exemplars

Enduring Legacy

A Cornerstone of Chinese Historiography

Influence on Later Scholarship

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice