---
product_id: 567216947
title: "Han Dynasty I: 001 (Records of the Grand Historian)"
brand: "sima qianburton watson"
price: "1268.23 DT"
currency: TND
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 6
url: https://www.desertcart.tn/products/567216947-han-dynasty-i-001-records-of-the-grand-historian
store_origin: TN
region: Tunisia
---

# Han Dynasty I: 001 (Records of the Grand Historian)

**Brand:** sima qianburton watson
**Price:** 1268.23 DT
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Han Dynasty I: 001 (Records of the Grand Historian) by sima qianburton watson
- **How much does it cost?** 1268.23 DT with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.tn](https://www.desertcart.tn/products/567216947-han-dynasty-i-001-records-of-the-grand-historian)

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## Description

Han Dynasty I: 001 (Records of the Grand Historian)

## Images

![Han Dynasty I: 001 (Records of the Grand Historian) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/611qTZmRaBL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 out of 5 stars







  
  
    Not an easy read - but greatly rewarding for those who persevere!
  

*by D***K on Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 July 2013*

Considering how powerful and influent China was during most of its history and how powerful and influent again it became during those last 35 years or so, it is actually surprising how LITTLE we know about the history of this mighty giant.The general knowledge is especially limited when ancient Chinese history is concerned - but as it turns out it is not exactly for lack of sources. Some important ancient Chinese texts ARE available in English (and sometimes also other western languages) - and none of them is as precious and powerful as the "Shi Ji" or "Records of the Grand Historian".This is by no means the integrality of "Shi Ji" (not even close). This book contains only a selection of chapters from Sima Qian's Opus Magnum, in a very pleasant and elegant translation by the great Burton Watson, a very renowned translator of ancient Japanese and Chinese texts. Those chapters are however crucially important, because they treat of following people:- those who between 209 and 202 BC destroyed the Qin regime and then waged a titanic struggle for domination, which ended with the establishment of possibly the most important of all Chinese dynasties - the Western Han.- the first four rulers of Western Han: Emperor Gaozu, Empress Lu, Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing- the empresses, vassal kings, chancellors, ministers, generals, concubines, etc. who from 202 until 141 BC all played a part in creating the Western Han mighty state- last but not least, the most important, powerful (and tragic) rebels...As I already said it in the title, this is NOT an easy read, at least not immediately - but please believe me, it is WORTH persevering. It is also possible to prepare a little for the lecture - what follows now is relevant ONLY if you have really NOT A CLUE about ancient Chinese history:- my advice is to first read on internet a little about Qin Shihuangdi, the First Emperor of Qin Dynasty - but some REAL history stuff, not the esoteric or fantasy nonsense...- having a look at following figures of Qin regime can be also useful: the Second Emperor, chancellor Li Si, general Zhang Han and eunuch Zhao Gao (Wikipedia will be enough here)- a little look at the map of Ancient China at the very end of Seven Warring Kingdoms period is advised so you can better situate the place of action - having some idea of the location of countries of Chu, Qi, Qin and Zhao is particularly crucial- then there is also a recommended "reading path" of this book - ancient Chinese chronicles can seem so peculiar because reading them one chapter after another from the beginning to the end is NOT ALWAYS the best way. Burton Watson helped a lot here, repositioning the chapters - this is why this book begins with Shi Ji chapter 48 and continues with chapters 7, 8, 16, 53, 55, 56 and so on. Watson's "reading path" is a very precious thing and my advice is to FOLLOW IT very strictly, at least at the first reading.If you really want to read this book, I will repeat it once again - do NOT give up even if you find it difficult at first. Persevere and you will be greatly rewarded! This is a rigourosly TRUE thing, but honestly, once you get comfortable and start to discover the whole story, it can be much more passionating than "Game of thrones". And - surprise, surprise - albeit this is a 2100-years old historical chronicle, this thing is FUN! Really! Other than tragedies and serious reflexions, Sima Qian, who definitely was a very exceptionnal person, managed to slip into his enormous book TONS of tongue-in-cheek humour, all of it under the nose of imperial censors...I went through this book three times and it was one of most rewarding readings in my whole life! An extremely precious, powerful thing, worth every penny! Recommended for all people interested in history of China or in history in general but also for all amateurs of good books! Enjoy!

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Excellent!
  

*by V***S on Reviewed in Canada on 17 September 2019*

Excellent translation, hard to find! Good price, many volumes are exorbitant. The many names and ranks are hard to keep track of but are meant to be indicitve  of subtleties in the Chinese culture. If you can get past that, even from a western understanding, it’s excellent 😊

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 







  
  
    Was a wonderful easy read
  

*by A***R on Reviewed in the United States on 8 October 2014*

Was a wonderful easy read. I wasn't sure I could like this but found out I loved it. Would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about Chinese history.

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*Product available on Desertcart Tunisia*
*Store origin: TN*
*Last updated: 2026-01-24*