The Records of the Grand Historian

The Records of the Grand Historian, or "Shiji," is an ancient Chinese historical text written by Sima Qian around 94 BCE. It provides a comprehensive account of China's history from legendary times to the Han Dynasty, covering emperors, important figures, events, and societal developments. The Shiji combines chronological history with biographies, providing insight into politics, culture, and philosophy. It is regarded as one of China's most influential historical works, shaping the way history has been recorded and studied in East Asia. Its detailed and narrative style makes it a valuable resource for understanding China’s early history.