Which is more worth reading, Historical Records or History as a Mirror?

Both of these books have their specific historical significance and value. Historical Records is a kind of biographical style, which is Sima Qian's record of years and dynasties. It is very easy to read. Zi Tongzhi Jian is a chronological book edited by Sima Guang, which mainly records state affairs. This article is a bit obscure. Generally speaking, the two books are equally matched, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. If we have to evaluate which book is greater and contributes more from our own point of view, I still think Historical Records is greater.

Regarding Sima Qian, Mr. Lu Xun praised his Historical Records as "a masterpiece of historians, and Li Sao has no rhyme", which is the first biographical general history in China. Personally, Sima Qian went through all kinds of unbearable pains and great hardships to complete Historical Records, which would cause great trauma to people's mind and body, such as castration.

Sima Qian put in a good word for Li Ling from an objective point of view, which angered Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. In addition, Emperor Wu himself did not like Sima Qian. Now, the new and old scores are counted together. In a rage, Emperor Wudi put Sima Qian in prison and finally gave him castration. Sima Qian was miserable and tried to end his life several times, but he couldn't give up easily when he thought that Historical Records had not been completed. So in this case, he became more frustrated and brave, and finally completed the famous masterpiece Historical Records.

Apart from the greatness of Sima Qian's personality charm, from the perspective of Historical Records, the words in the book are concise, and Sima Qian has a high literary accomplishment. The book is relatively easy to read in content, pays attention to interest, tells stories and portrays characters, and it will not be dry and awkward to read. As far as literary status is concerned, Historical Records is listed as the first of the "Twenty-four History", and it is also called the "First Four History" with the later Hanshu, Houhanshu and the History of the Three Kingdoms.

Reading historical records can enhance our reading ability and understanding ability of classical Chinese, enrich our historical knowledge, improve our literary foundation, cultivate our sentiment and bring us wisdom and thinking.