Spring and Autumn Annals (Annotated)

Enriched Edition. A Terse Chronicle of Lu, Eastern Zhou Politics, and the Moral Foundations of Chinese HistoriographyBy Confucius

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Length10h 57m

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The Spring and Autumn Annals is a terse chronicle of the state of Lu, covering the years 722–481 BCE and recording accessions, wars, treaties, sacrifices, omens, and deaths with remarkable economy. Its spare, annalistic style—often no more than a sentence per event—became central to classical Chinese historiography because later readers found in its wording a subtle moral judgment. Set amid the fragmentation of the Eastern Zhou world, it preserves the political anxieties and ritual ideals that shaped early Confucian thought. Traditionally attributed to Confucius, the work reflects concerns associated with his life as a Lu-born teacher, ritual specialist, and frustrated political adviser. Living in an age of declining royal authority and aggressive regional powers, Confucius sought the restoration of ethical government through proper names, rites, and exemplary conduct. The Annals' disciplined selection and phrasing were therefore understood as an extension of his moral pedagogy: history becomes a vehicle for praise, blame, and political correction. This book is recommended to readers interested in the foundations of Chinese political philosophy, historiography, and classical literature. Though deceptively austere, it rewards patient reading, especially alongside its traditional commentaries, revealing how a brief chronicle could become a profound meditation on authority, legitimacy, and moral order. This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience. - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

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Audiobook details

Rating★★★★ 4.3 (10)

Includes Goodreads

GenreHistory

Length10 hrs 57 mins

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateSep 10, 2021

LanguageEnglish

1Introduction

2Introduction

3Synopsis

4Historical Context

5Author Biography

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6Chapter I. The Nature and Value of the Ch‘un Ts‘ew.

7Section II. The Sources of the Ch‘un Ts‘ëw, and Its Nature. Did Confucius Allow Himself Any Liberty of Addition or Retrenchment in the Use of His Authorities?

8Section III. Recovery of the Ch‘un Ts‘ëw During the Han Dynasty. Was This Indeed the Ch‘un Ts‘ëw of Confucius?

9Section IV. The Three Early Commentaries on the Ch‘un Ts‘ëw.

10Section V. The Value of the Ch‘un Ts‘ëw.

11Appendix I. Specimens of the Commentaries of Kung-yang and Kuh-lëang.

12Appendix II. A Letter Questioning the Confucian Authorship of the Ch‘un Ts‘ëw, by Yuen Mei.

13Chapter II. The Chronology of the Ch‘un Ts‘ew.

14Section II. The Dates in the Tso Chuen.

15Section III. Lists of the Kings of Chow, and of the Princes of the Principal Fiefs, From the Beginning to the Close of the Chow Dynasty.

16Chapter III. The China of the Ch‘un Ts‘ew Period:—considered in Relation to Its Territorial Extent: the Disorder Which Prevailed; the Growth and Encroachments of the Larger States; and the Barbarous Tribes Which Surrounded It.

17Chapter IV. List of the Principal Works Which Have Been Employed in the Preparation of This Volume.

18Section II. Translations and Other Foreign Works.

19Book I. Duke Yin

20Book II. Duke Hwan

21Book III. Duke Chwang

22Book IV. Duke Min

23Book V. Duke He

24Book VI. Duke Wăn

25Book VII. Duke Seuen

26Book VIII. Duke Ch•ing

27Book IX. Duke Sëang

28Book X. Duke Ch‘aou