Liu Zhiji

Liu Zhiji (劉知幾; 661–721), courtesy name Zixuan (子玄), was a Chinese historian of the Tang Dynasty. He is best known as the author of the Shitong (史通), a seminal work on historiography and historical criticism.

Born in Pengcheng (modern Xuzhou, Jiangsu province), Liu came from a family with a strong scholarly tradition. He served in various official positions throughout his career, including positions in the imperial library and the Ministry of Rites. However, his outspoken and critical nature often led to conflict with his superiors, hindering his advancement in the bureaucracy.

The Shitong, completed around 710, is Liu Zhiji's magnum opus. It is a comprehensive and systematic treatise on the theory and practice of history-writing. The Shitong is divided into two parts: the "Neipian" (內篇), or "Inner Chapters," which discuss fundamental principles of historiography; and the "Waipian" (外篇), or "Outer Chapters," which examine the characteristics of various historical genres and individual historical works.

In the Shitong, Liu Zhiji critiques traditional methods of historical writing, including the over-reliance on court records, the lack of critical analysis, and the tendency towards embellishment and fabrication. He advocates for a more rigorous and objective approach to historical inquiry, emphasizing the importance of consulting diverse sources, verifying information, and presenting a balanced and impartial account of the past.

Liu Zhiji's work had a profound and lasting impact on Chinese historiography. The Shitong is considered a foundational text in the field, and its principles of historical criticism continue to be studied and debated by scholars today. It influenced generations of historians to approach their work with greater scrutiny and a more critical eye.