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Father of Chinese Historiographical Theory and Author of the Shitong
In an archive hall, tall wooden shelves hold scrolls and bound books with small tags, and one person climbs a ladder with their back turned; a long table in front holds an unrolled river map, a bronze lamp and a copper jug, with a city wall seen through the window.
Also known as Liu Zixuan · Zixuan · Shitong Zuozhe · Shixue Lilun Bizu
Tang Dynasty historian who authored Shitong (Historical Perspectives), the first comprehensive work of historiographical theory in China, establishing the criteria of talent, knowledge, and historical insight.
TangLiu Zixuan, originally named Zhiji, rose to Left Recorder during the Chang'an years while also compiling the national history, and in early Jinglong became Crown Prince's Secretary while continuing that work, in all directing the national history for over twenty years. He also wrote the Shitong zi in twenty scrolls, setting out the forms of historical writing.