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  • Published: 31 July 2014
  • ISBN: 9780141970400
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400

The Most Venerable Book (Shang Shu)




A wonderfully enjoyable storehouse of ancient Chinese history and legends, which also has an important role in understanding 21st century China

The Most Venerable Book (also known as The Book of History) is one of the Five Classics. For many centuries it was a central work for anyone wishing to work for the Imperial administration, with its prestige stemming from the belief that it had been assembled by Confucius himself. The First Emperor tried to have all copies destroyed because of its subversive implication that 'the Mandate of Heaven' could be withdrawn from rulers who failed their people. For similar reasons it was also banned by Mao. Extraordinarily, it has been revived by the Chinese government of the 2010s.

  • Published: 31 July 2014
  • ISBN: 9780141970400
  • Imprint: Penguin eBooks
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 400

Other books in the series

Emma
Persuasion
A Dog's Heart
The Black Tulip
The Lady of the Camellias
Selected Poetry
On Sparta
Man and Superman
Saint Joan
Botchan
Kusamakura
Love
Annals
Selected Poems
Military Dispatches

About the authors

Confucius

Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher whose teachings shaped East Asian thought for over two millennia. His philosophy emphasized morality, respect, and self-improvement, forming the foundation of Confucianism. Compiled in The Analects, his wisdom continues to influence leaders, scholars, and individuals striving for a meaningful life. His legacy endures as one of the most significant figures in world philosophy.