The Zuo Zhuan () is the earliest Chinese work of narrative history and covers the period from 722 BCE to 468 BCE. It was traditionally attributed to Zuo Qiuming, as a commentary to the Spring and Autumn Annals, although this has been questioned by some modern scholars. Most notable modern scholars of this book, such as Yang Bojun (楊伯峻) hold that the work was compiled during the period of Warring States, and given the compilation of the date no later than 389 BCE. It is one of the most important sources for understanding the history in period of Spring and Autumn.

The book also contain the earliest reference to the Go (board game) under the section of 25th Year of Duke Xiang of Lu in Gregorian year of 548 BCE.

With its vivid and concise language, Zuo Zhuan is also a gem of classical Chinese prose. This work and Shiji were regarded as the ultimate models by many generations of prose stylists in ancient China.

References

External links

• Zuo Zhuan Fully searchable text (Chinese)
• The Zuozhuan Digital Concordance. by El Colegio de Mexico, the English data is based on the full translation published by the 19th century English sinologist-missionary James Legge.

Chinese classic texts | Chinese history texts

Zuo Zhuan | 春秋左氏伝 | Tả Truyện | 左传