A Research On The Historical Materials Value Of Han Shi Wai Zhuan

As the only work which is handed down from Han Dynasty, Han Shi WaiZhuan contains large amount of historical data which ranges from theYellow Emperor period to western Han Dynasty. According to my research,the book depicts170ancient historical figures. Historical stories whichcenters on these people contain abundant historical materials that coverfields of politics, economics, military and culture in Pre-Qin period.It is believed that the book learns from Pre-Qin philosophers to usehistorical knowledge to explain views. As the book describes the historyof Five Emperors period and dynasty of Xia, Shang and Zhou, this thesiswill compare it with the related history in Historical Records,“Rongcheng Shi” and works of Warring States philosophers.Six parts compose the thesis.The introduction part will give a brief introduction to the bookand its research situation. Firstly, Han Shi Wai Zhuan will be bring intothe field of historiography. In one hand, the step will enlarge theresearch scope of historiography. On the other hand, it will give a chanceto study the book profoundly. Secondly, it can be concluded that the bookis written by Han Ying on the basis of literature review and the book isrightly the book recorded in “Han Chi”.As the main body of the thesis, chapter one, chapter two and chapterthree respectively researches the historical figures in Five Emperorsperiod, dynasty of Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasty, thus to compare it withthe related history in Historical Records,“Rongcheng Shi” and worksof Warring States philosophers. On the one hand, these stories can besourced and are not fabricated by Han Ying. They are believable. On theother hand, details of these stories are different from other books. Why are there different versions of the same history story? Primarily, becauseHan Ying has his own interest. He advocates benevolence rule and Goddess.So the book emphasizes the heroic of ancient emperors like Yao, Shun, Yuand Tang of Shang, Zhou Wen Wang and Zhou Wu Wang. Secondly, becausehearsay will certainly different as time goes by.The appendix part measures the ancient historical figures in thisbook.The conclusion part summarizes the main point of view of the thesis.