Records of the Grand Historian

Quick Facts: Who was Records of the Grand Historian?

Subject:

Records of the Grand Historian

Known for:

A foundational Chinese historical text covering 2,500 years of history.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Shiji (traditional Chinese: 史記; simplified Chinese: 史记; pinyin: Shǐjì; lit. 'Historical Records'), also known as Records of the Grand Historian or The Grand Scribe's Records (traditional Chinese: 太史公書; simplified Chinese: 太史公书; pinyin: Tàishǐgōng shū), is a Chinese historical text that is the first of the Twenty-Four Histories of imperial China. It was written during the late 2nd and early 1st centuries BC by the early Han dynasty historian Sima Qian, building upon work begun by his father Sima Tan. The work covers a 2,500-year period from the age of the legendary Yellow Emperor to the reign of Emperor Wu of Han in the author's own time, and describes the world as it was known to the Chinese of the Western Han dynasty. The Shiji has been called a "foundational text in Chinese civilization".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Following Confucius and Qin Shi Huang, "Sima Qian was one of the creators of Imperial China; by providing definitive biographies, he effectively shaped the enduring images of these two earlier figures." The Shiji set the model for all subsequent dynastic histories of China. In contrast to Western historiographical conventions, the Shiji does not treat history as "a continuous, sweeping narrative", but rather breaks it up into smaller, overlapping units dealing with famous leaders, individuals, and major topics of significance. The original title of the work, as given by the author in the postscript, is Taishigongshu (太史公書), or Records of the Grand Historian. However, the book was also known by a variety of other titles, including Taishigongji (太史公記) and Taishigongzhuan (太史公傳) in ancient times. Eventually, Shiji (史記), or Historical Records became the most commonly used title in Chinese.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

This title was originally used to refer to any general historical text, although after the Three Kingdoms period, Shiji gradually began to be used exclusively to refer to Sima Qian's work. In English, the title is variously translated as Records of the Grand Historian, Historical Records, The Grand Scribe's Records, or Records of the Historian, although other titles are sometimes used. The work that became the Shiji was begun by Sima Tan, who was Grand Historian (Tàishǐ 太史, also translated "Grand Scribe") of the Han dynasty court during the late 2nd century BC. Sima Tan drafted plans for the ambitious work and left behind some fragments and notes that may have been incorporated into the final text. After Sima's death in 110 BC, the Shiji was continued and completed by his son and successor Sima Qian, who is generally credited as the work's author.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Records of the Grand Historian

True or False: “The Shiji treats history as a continuous, sweeping narrative similar to modern Western historiography.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Unlike Western conventions, the Shiji breaks history into smaller, overlapping units focusing on significant leaders and topics.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Records of the Three Kingdoms — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A foundational Chinese official history detailing the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period.
• Recovered Territories — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Former eastern German lands annexed by Poland after WWII, used for political legitimation.
• Recruit scandal — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Major Japanese insider trading and corruption scandal involving politicians and business leaders.
• Red Adair — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering American oil well firefighter, renowned for capping hazardous blowouts.
• Red Army — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The military force of the Russian Soviet Republic, evolving into the core of the Soviet Armed Forces.
• Red Army Faction — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: West German far-left militant group active from 1970 to 1998, known for armed resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Records of the Grand Historian