Liu Zhiji (Liu Chih-chi) 661-721

The author of the Shi tong [Generalities on history], the first Chinese work of historiographic criticism, which he completed in 710. It is a moralistic and classificatory survey of historical scholarship from its beginnings, and shows a great concern for brevity and succinctness in narrative style. From 699 until the year he was banished and died, he served as a scholar-official in academic institutions in the capital, and compiled or was involved in the compilation of at least twelve works. He also participated in scholarly debates on the Confucian classics and their interpretations.

         close