The Making of Song Dynasty History: Sources and Narratives, 960-1279 CE

Charles Hartman surveys the major sources that survive as vestiges of the official dynastic historiography of the Chinese Song dynasty, analyzing the narratives that emerge as products of Song political discourse. He argues that the narratives reflect tension between a Confucian model of political institutionalism and the Song court's preference for a non-sectarian, technocratic model, fundamentally rethinking the corpus of texts that have formed the basis of our understanding of the Song and of imperial China.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 393 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In this expansive and groundbreaking work of political and intellectual history, Charles Hartman delves into the surviving remnants of the official dynastic historiography of the Chinese Song dynasty (960–1279). Through a meticulous analysis of the narratives that emerge from these sources, as manifestations of Song political discourse, Hartman provides a comprehensive introduction to the texts and the political context in which they were compiled. By extracting a grand allegory of Song history from these sources, he argues that the narratives embedded within reflect a tension between a Confucian model of political institutionalism and the Song court's preference for a non-sectarian, technocratic model. This profound reevaluation of the corpus of texts that has formed the foundation of our understanding of the Song and of imperial China more broadly sheds light on the intricate relationship between official history writing and political struggles in China.

Hartman's study is a significant contribution to the field of Chinese history, as it challenges prevailing narratives and offers a fresh perspective on the Song dynasty. By examining the sources through the lens of political discourse, he sheds light on the complex interplay between power, ideology, and historical representation. His analysis demonstrates the ways in which official historiography was shaped by political interests and the ways in which it influenced public perception and understanding of the past.

One of the key insights of Hartman's work is his recognition of the importance of non-official sources in understanding the Song dynasty. While the official historiography may have been influenced by political considerations, non-official sources, such as poetry, novels, and historical records, provide a more nuanced and diverse perspective on the period. By incorporating these sources into his analysis, Hartman is able to offer a more comprehensive and balanced account of Song history.

Another strength of Hartman's work is his ability to weave together multiple narratives and sources to create a coherent and persuasive narrative. He skillfully integrates historical, political, and cultural factors to provide a rich and detailed account of the Song dynasty. His analysis is grounded in a deep understanding of the historical context and is supported by a wide range of scholarly literature.

In conclusion, Charles Hartman's work on the Song dynasty historiography is a groundbreaking and essential contribution to the field. Through his meticulous analysis of surviving sources and his innovative approach to historiography, he offers a fresh perspective on the Song dynasty and its place in Chinese history. His work challenges prevailing narratives and provides a valuable resource for scholars and students of Chinese history.

Weight: 568g
ISBN-13: 9781108819992