Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian)

The *Records of the Grand Historian* (Shiji) consists of 130 volumes and approximately 520,000 characters. Sima Qian abandoned the singular chronological storytelling method of the past and pioneered the "biographical-thematic" (Jizhuanti) encyclopedia structure, woven from five distinct parts:

**Basic Annals (Benji) – 12 Volumes: The "Big Picture" of History**

Chronicles major events of emperors and supreme rulers. Sima Qian used this to observe the rise and fall of dynasties. Notably, he included Xiang Yu, who was never an emperor, because Xiang Yu held "power without the title" at the time. Representative chapters include the *Annals of Xiang Yu* and the *Annals of Qin Shi Huang*.

**Tables (Biao) – 10 Volumes: The "Timeline" of History**

Uses horizontal and vertical axes to organize complex historical chronologies. This section is designed to clear up confusion for the history-blind, making overlapping states and conflicting era names easy to understand at a glance. Examples include the *Genealogical Table of the Three Eras* and the *Chronological Table of the Six States*.

**Treatises (Shu) – 8 Volumes: "Special Reports" on History**

Records national institutions such as astronomy, the calendar, economy, water conservancy, and rites and music. This allows later generations to look beyond political figures to deeply understand ancient life, social operations, and technological backgrounds. Examples include the *Book of Rivers and Canals* and the *Book of Balanced Standards* (on economics).

**Hereditary Houses (Shijia) – 30 Volumes: "Regional Powerhouses" of History**

Describes the deeds of hereditary feudal states, meritorious officials, and Han Dynasty nobility. In Sima Qian's eyes, they were like stars revolving around the North Star. Commoner Chen Sheng and the philosopher Confucius were exceptionally included here because of their profound influence on future generations. Examples include the *Hereditary House of Confucius* and the *Hereditary House of Chen She*.

**Ranked Memoirs (Liezhuan) – 70 Volumes: "The Human Condition"**

Biographies of extraordinary individuals from all walks of life. This is the most brilliant and vivid melting pot of the book, featuring assassins, knights-errant, merchants, and harsh officials. Examples include the *Biographies of Assassins* and the *Biographies of the Marquis of Huaiyin*.